Snowbirds (aerobatic team)
The Snowbirds, officially known as 431 Air Demonstration Squadron (French: 431e Escadron de démonstration aérienne), are the military aerobatics flight demonstration team of the Royal Canadian Air Force. The team is based at 15 Wing Moose Jaw near Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. The Snowbirds' official purpose is to "demonstrate the skill, professionalism, and teamwork of Canadian Forces personnel". The team also provides a public relations and recruiting role, and serves as an aerial ambassador for the Canadian Armed Forces. The Snowbirds are the first Canadian air demonstration team to be designated as a squadron.
| Snowbirds | |
|---|---|
Snowbirds logo | |
| Active | 25 June 1971 – present (as Snowbirds) 1 April 1978 – present (as 431 Air Demonstration Squadron) |
| Country | Canada |
| Branch | Royal Canadian Air Force |
| Role | Aerobatic flight demonstration team |
| Size | 80 Canadian Forces personnel full time 24 personnel in the show team |
| Part of | 15 Wing Moose Jaw |
| Garrison/HQ | CFB Moose Jaw Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada |
| Motto(s) | Mohawk: The Hatiten Ronteriios, lit. 'Warriors of the air' |
| Colors | White and red |
| Website | rcaf-arc.forces |
| Commanders | |
| Commanding Officer | LCol Denis Bandet |
| Aircraft flown | |
| Trainer | 11 CT-114 Tutors |
The show team flies 11 CT-114 Tutors: nine for aerobatic performances, including two solo aircraft, and two spares, flown by the team coordinators. Additionally, 13 are maintained in storage. Approximately 80 Canadian Forces personnel work with the squadron full-time; 24 personnel are in the show team that travels during the show season. The Snowbirds are the only major military aerobatics team that operates without a support aircraft.
The Snowbirds continue the flying demonstration tradition of previous Canadian air force aerobatic teams, which include the Siskins, the Blue Devils, the Golden Hawks, and the Golden Centennaires.