Team Raven Expands to Seven-Ship Formation for 2025 Airshow Season
For over a decade, Team Raven has been a dazzling presence in the skies above Europe, their fleet of Vans RV-8 aircraft slicing through the air in tight formations that leave spectators breathless. Since their formation in 2014, this Swansea-based aerobatic display team has built a reputation for precision, innovation, and sheer spectacle, earning them a cherished spot in the hearts of aviation enthusiasts. Now, as they gear up for the 2025 European Airshow Season, Team Raven is poised to elevate their game even further with a bold expansion to a seven-aircraft display—a move that will crown them the largest civilian formation aerobatic team in the world.
In a recent announcement posted to their Facebook page, the team shared their excitement about this ambitious leap forward: "Training for the 2025 season has started. 2025 will see us move to a 7 ship. We believe this makes us the biggest civilian-formation aerobatic team in the world! Look out for new formations, manoeuvres and as usual, a very busy smoke filled routine!" This isn’t just a step up in numbers—it’s a promise of fresh aerial artistry, with intricate new patterns and a dynamic, smoke-trailing performance that will push the boundaries of what civilian aerobatics can achieve.
Team Raven as a 7 ship /Photo: Team Raven
A Storied History: From Humble Beginnings to Aerobatic Excellence
Team Raven's journey began in May 2014, rooted in the legacy of earlier aerobatic teams such as Team Viper and Team Osprey. The team was founded by Steve Lloyd and Barry Gwynnett, both former members of Team Osprey, who initially flew two Vans RV-8 aircraft in close formation over the Swansea area. Their passion for precision flying and the exceptional capabilities of the RV-8 inspired them to expand their efforts. They were soon joined by Gerald Williams and Mark Southern, seasoned display pilots from Team Viper, and Simon "Sid" Shirley, a former Royal Air Force (RAF) fast jet pilot with extensive combat and instructional experience. By May 2014, Team Raven had formed a five-aircraft team based at Swansea Airport, with the name "Raven" cleverly derived from the "RV" designation of their Vans aircraft.
The Vans RV-8, a kit-built aircraft designed by Richard VanGrunsven, is central to Team Raven's success. Known for its aerobatic prowess, the RV-8 is an all-aluminum, tandem two-seater monoplane powered by a 180hp Lycoming IO-360 engine. Its lightweight construction and excellent power-to-weight ratio enable impressive climb rates and agile handling, making it ideal for formation aerobatics. Team Raven has further enhanced their RV-8s with smoke systems, which create white trails that amplify the visual impact of their displays. While not as fast as specialized aerobatic aircraft like the Extra 300, the RV-8's balance of agility, stability, and affordability perfectly aligns with the team's grassroots ethos.
Evolution and Growth: Mastering Multi-Aircraft Formations
Team Raven debuted in 2014 with a mixed fleet of four RV-8s and one RV-4, the latter piloted by team leader Simon Shirley. The RV-4, a smaller, single-seat predecessor to the RV-8, was eventually phased out as the team expanded to six aircraft in 2016 and standardized to an all-RV-8 fleet by 2022. Flying six aircraft in formation aerobatics is a rare achievement for a civilian team using piston-engine planes, a feat made possible by the pilots' exceptional skill and discipline, many of whom have military aviation backgrounds.
The transition to a seven-ship formation for 2025 represents a natural progression in the team's evolution. Coordinating seven aircraft in synchronized manoeuvres demands unparalleled precision and trust, qualities that Team Raven has honed over years of rigorous training and performance. This expansion not only enhances the visual spectacle of their displays but also solidifies their reputation as leaders in civilian aerobatics.
Elite Aviators: The Pilots Behind the Precision
Team Raven's success is driven by its roster of highly experienced pilots, each with distinguished careers in military and civilian aviation. Team leader Simon "Sid" Shirley, a former RAF fast jet pilot with approximately 5,500 flying hours, has flown operational missions over the Balkans and served as an instructor on various aircraft, including the Hawk and Grob Tutor. His leadership and expertise have been instrumental in shaping the team's professional approach.
Other team members bring equally impressive backgrounds. One pilot began his career as a glider tow plane pilot before mastering aerobatics in aircraft like the RV-8, Sbach XA42, and Cap 10. He built one of the first RV-8s in the UK in 2002 and led the Twister Duo, a two-ship aerobatic team, for a decade. Another pilot, Pete, joined in 2022 after pioneering the UK's first aircraft pyro display in 2009 and leading pyro performances across Europe, China, and the Middle East. Many of Team Raven's pilots are also deeply connected to the Vans Aircraft community, having built their own RV-8s, which adds a personal dimension to their performances.
Team Changes: A Fond Farewell and a New Addition
As 2024 drew to a close, Team Raven announced the retirement of Barry Gwynnett, who has been with the team since its inception. In a heartfelt message, the team stated: "As we look forward to 2025, we have to say a very sad farewell to Raven 3, Barry Gwynnett. Barry is retiring from display flying at the ripe old age of 74. He has been with the Ravens from day one and displayed 191 times. He has been an incredible team member and friend to all. His willingness to go above and beyond to help one and all has been immeasurable! The good news is that he will remain with the team assisting, as he always does!" Gwynnett's legacy of 191 displays and his continued involvement off the flight line ensure that his influence will endure.
Stepping into the #3 position is Paul Farmer, whose arrival was met with enthusiasm: "Team Raven are delighted that Paul Farmer joins us, bringing a wealth of experience and professionalism to the setup. Paul, an ex Chinook pilot with the RAF, also has a load of time on tailwheels and his display experience is enviable including Chinook, various vintage aircraft and time with the excellent, but sadly now finished display team, the Yakovlevs." Farmer's extensive background ensures that Team Raven's high standards will be maintained as they transition to their seven-ship formation.
Display Philosophy and Signature Maneuvers: Inspired by the Best
Team Raven's displays are characterized by their seamless, continuous sequences of manoeuvres, drawing inspiration from elite military jet teams like the Red Arrows and Patrouille de France. Their performances feature tight formation flying, dynamic rolls, and dramatic "opposition passes," where aircraft fly head-on before breaking away at the last moment. A hallmark of their shows is the six-ship quarter-clover, a rolling formation rarely seen outside military teams, which showcases their precision and the RV-8's agility.
The addition of a seventh aircraft promises to introduce new formations and manoeuvres, further enhancing the complexity and excitement of their routines. The team's use of smoke systems will continue to play a crucial role, creating a "very busy smoke-filled routine" that leaves a lasting impression on spectators.
In a groundbreaking collaboration, Team Raven has also developed a ten-ship formation routine with the Gazelle Squadron, combining six RV-8s with four Gazelle helicopters. This unique display, performed publicly only twice as of February 2024, required extensive training to manage the challenges posed by the helicopters' rotor downwash, highlighting the team's innovation and commitment to safety.
Captivating Audiences Across Europe
Since their inception, Team Raven has become a staple at airshows across Europe, thrilling crowds with their precision and daring. At the Clacton Airshow in 2023, they delivered an "astonishing" performance to mark the event's 30th anniversary. As local favourites, they regularly perform at the Wales Airshow near Swansea Airport, sharing the skies with iconic aircraft like the Spitfire, Hurricane, and Lancaster from the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, as well as modern displays from the Red Arrows and Typhoon Display Team.
Their reach extends beyond the UK, with performances in Ireland, Belgium, Denmark, Portugal, Spain and other countries. The team's ability to maintain tight formations with six aircraft while executing complex aerobatics has earned them widespread acclaim, setting them apart from many civilian aerobatic teams.
Overcoming Challenges with Piston-Engine Aircraft
Operating a multi-ship team with piston-engine aircraft presents unique challenges, particularly in terms of energy management during manoeuvres. Unlike jet aircraft, the RV-8 requires careful handling to sustain its performance throughout a display. Team Raven addresses this through "sport aerobatics," focusing on graceful, low-G manoeuvres that maximize the RV-8's strengths without overtaxing its capabilities.
Their ability to replicate the flowing, continuous displays of military jet teams with piston-engine aircraft is a testament to their skill and the versatility of the RV-8. The six-ship quarter-clover and the ten-ship formation with the Gazelle Squadron are standout achievements that demonstrate their mastery of these challenges.
A Legacy of Innovation and Inspiration
Team Raven's impact extends beyond their performances, contributing significantly to the aerobatic and kit aircraft communities. By showcasing the capabilities of the Vans RV-8, they have bolstered its reputation as a premier aerobatic platform, inspiring pilots and builders within the Vans community. Their self-funded, grassroots approach—operating out of Swansea Airport—proves that world-class aerobatics can thrive without military or corporate backing.
As they prepare for the 2025 season, Team Raven's expansion to a seven-ship formation promises to elevate their displays to new heights. With new formations, manoeuvres, and their signature smoke-filled routines, the team is set to continue captivating audiences and pushing the boundaries of civilian aerobatics. The blend of continuity, with Barry Gwynnett's ongoing involvement, and fresh talent, with Paul Farmer's arrival, ensures that Team Raven will maintain its position as a beloved and innovative force in sport aviation for years to come.
