Korea’s Black Eagles to premiere at airshow

SPECTATORS at the 2023 Avalon Airshow will be some of the first in the country to get a glimpse of the Republic of Korea Air Force’s (ROKAF) Black Eagles aerobatic team, when the eight strong squadron takes to the skies during the three-day event in March.

It will be the first time the team flying eight Korea Aerospace Industries KAI T-50B Golden Eagles have displayed in the country, and will be doing so with two top honour wins under their belt after demonstrations at the British airshow and Royal International Air Tattoo in July this year.

Airshow CEO Justin Giddings said it was an honour to have the aerobatic team premiering at the event.
“The Black Eagles are well known internationally for their professional display performance, and distinctive aircraft that have not been seen in Australia before,” he said.

“The Black Eagles will add a new level of interest and spectacle for aviation enthusiasts.”

The team’s eight distinctive black, white and yellow aircraft are modified versions of the Korea Aircraft Industries T-50 supersonic light trainer and attack aircraft already in service, and are known for their signature move called Taeguk, where precision formation aerobatics by the pilots using smoke creates the Republic of Korea flag.

The ROKAF was last in the country for the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) joint military Exercise Pitch Black in August and September this year, where 18 countries and 100 aircraft from around the globe took part, and was the first time the Republic of Korea fully participated in the drills.

The RAAF Director of Displays for the airshow Group Captain David Glasson said he was eager to see their return.

“It’s fantastic to see the Republic of Korea Air Force visiting the airshow for the first time, and we’re excited to see what we know will be a very professional display from their Black Eagles team,” he said.
Mr Giddings said the announcement is one of several that will be made in coming weeks about new first-time participants and aircrafts for the event.

“Airshow 2023 is all about presenting new and exciting displays and aircraft across the spectrum of aviation, from Australia and around the world,” he said.

The Airshow is on from March 3-5 at Avalon Airport in 2023.