AeroSuperBatics Wingwalkers

About the Team

AeroSuperBatics is a distinguished British civilian formation wing walking team, renowned as the world’s only formation wingwalking team. Operating under the name The AeroSuperBatics Wingwalkers since 2018, the team has a storied history of partnerships with prominent commercial sponsors, previously performing as The Breitling Wingwalkers, Team Guinot, The Utterly Butterlys, the Crunchie Flying Circus, and representing brands such as Colt Cars and Yugo Cars. Based at RFC Rendcomb Aerodrome near Cirencester, Gloucestershire—a site with historical significance as a World War I Royal Flying Corps training aerodrome—the team utilizes four specially modified Boeing-Stearman Model 75 biplanes. These aircraft are powered by robust 450 horsepower Pratt & Whitney R-985-AN14B ‘Junior Wasp’ engines, which replaced the original 220 horsepower Continental radial engines, and are equipped with Hamilton Standard 2D30/6101A-12 constant speed propellers, enhancing their performance and reliability.

The AeroSuperBatics team comprises five pilots and six wing walkers, each meticulously trained to perform synchronized aerial maneuvers that highlight both piloting expertise and the athleticism of the wing walkers. Their performances are versatile, featuring solo acts, two-ship formation pairs, or three-ship displays, with historical displays including four-ship and even five-ship formations. The aerobatic shows are characterized by intricate maneuvers where female acrobats, harnessed and tethered to posts above the aircraft wings, engage in dynamic wing walking activities that captivate audiences with their daring and precision.

AeroSuperBatics is not only a staple at leading UK airshows but also a frequent presence on international stages across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, having performed in countries such as Japan, the Philippines, and Australia. The team’s registration at RFC Rendcomb Aerodrome, co-owned by founder Vic Norman and business partners including Nick Mason of Pink Floyd fame, provides a strategic base for their extensive operations and logistical needs. Beyond public performances, AeroSuperBatics extends its expertise to offer unique wing walking experiences to the public, supports charitable fundraising initiatives, and caters to corporate events, thereby broadening its impact beyond traditional aerial displays.

The team boasts an impressive array of accolades, including two Guinness World Records for the most consecutive wing walking rolls and for the shortest person to wing walk, demonstrating their commitment to excellence and innovation in aerial performance. Additionally, AeroSuperBatics has facilitated groundbreaking events such as the world’s first wedding on the wing, conducted at an altitude of 1,000 feet using three of their Stearman aircraft to symbolically represent the bride, groom, and officiant. The team’s distinguished clientele includes high-profile individuals from various sectors, including entrepreneurs like Richard Branson and Elon Musk, adventurers like Bear Grylls, musicians such as Francis Rossi and Rick Parfitt of Status Quo, royalty including the Crown Prince of Dubai, and numerous other celebrities, athletes, and dignitaries. This diverse patronage underscores AeroSuperBatics’ esteemed reputation and broad appeal within the global aerial display community.

Team Overview

About the Aircraft

The Super Stearman’s legacy begins with its origins as a dependable primary trainer for Allied pilots during World War II. Designed by Lloyd Carlton Stearman and first taking flight in 1934, the Stearman biplane was engineered to be exceptionally stable and rugged, ideal for novice flyers and capable of withstanding rough landings. By 1938, the Stearman Aircraft Company had been acquired by Boeing, yet the iconic name remained synonymous with pilot training. As the war intensified, demand surged, and approximately 10,000 Stearmans were produced by the end of 1945. Its classic design, featuring two wings for increased lift, a welded steel tube fuselage, wooden wing structures, and a powerful radial engine, made it a reliable and recognizable aircraft of its time.

Following World War II, the Stearman transitioned smoothly into civilian roles, becoming a staple in barnstorming and agricultural applications. Thousands of surplus Stearmans entered the civilian market, often repurposed for crop dusting with the addition of tanks and nozzles. This versatility extended the Stearman’s influence into popular culture, most notably appearing in Alfred Hitchcock’s classic thriller, “North by Northwest,” where a crop-dusting Stearman plays a pivotal role. The aircraft’s enduring presence in barnstorming acts helped preserve its legacy, allowing enthusiasts to celebrate and recreate the exhilarating aerial performances of the 1920s and 1930s nearly seventy years after production ceased.

The evolution of the Stearman culminated in the creation of the Super Stearman, a highly modified version tailored for modern aerobatic displays. Unlike standard Stearmans equipped with 220 horsepower engines, Super Stearmans boast 450 horsepower radials, providing the necessary thrust to handle the additional drag from wingwalkers. These aircraft are further enhanced with extra ailerons on the upper biplane wings to improve roll speed, and the removal of forward cockpit controls allows wingwalkers unimpeded access to perform their daring stunts. By supercharging the Stearman’s performance and integrating specialized modifications, the Super Stearman transforms a classic primary trainer into a dazzling circus performer, continuing the aircraft’s tradition of thrilling audiences with electrifying barnstorming displays.

Team History

AeroSuperBatics was established in 1982 by Vic Norman, a seasoned aerobatics pilot and honorary air commodore of the 614 Squadron RAuxAF RAF Reserve, marking the inception of what would become a pioneering force in the realm of wing walking displays. Initially, the team operated a single Zlin Z-50 aircraft, engaging in traditional aerial displays. The transformative moment in the team’s history occurred during the mid-1980s when Vic Norman and his wife attended an airshow in Salinas, California. There, Norman witnessed a Boeing Stearman executing wing walking—a spectacle that was relatively uncommon in the United Kingdom, where wing walking was typically confined to the more modest Tiger Moth aircraft. Inspired by this demonstration, Norman resolved to introduce and popularize wing walking within the UK’s aerial performance circuits.

Upon returning to the United Kingdom, Norman secured a flight in a newly acquired Boeing Stearman owned by Ray Hanna, and subsequently purchased the aircraft to expand his display capabilities. The pivotal enhancement came with the introduction of a wing walking rig, originally designed and certified in the United States by renowned wing walker Art Scholl. Although Scholl was initially hesitant to share his rig designs due to safety concerns, his untimely death in 1985 during the filming of “Top Gun” led his widow to entrust the rig plans to Norman. This grant enabled Norman to fabricate a custom wing walking setup for his Stearman, thereby elevating the team’s performance potential.

With the Stearman now equipped for wing walking, Norman balanced its operation alongside the existing Zlin by enlisting Bob Thomson to pilot the Stearman, while Lesley Gail became the inaugural wing walker. This collaboration marked the birth of a new era for AeroSuperBatics, blending traditional aerobatics with the daring spectacle of wing walking. The early expansion of the team was significantly fueled by commercial sponsorships, beginning with Yugo Cars and followed by Cadbury’s in 1989. These partnerships facilitated the growth of the fleet to two Stearmans and enhanced the team’s visibility and commercial viability.

Over the ensuing decades, AeroSuperBatics continued to evolve, securing additional sponsorships from notable brands such as St Ivel and Guinot. The affiliation with Breitling from 2011 to 2018 marked a significant period of international branding and recognition, during which the team operated as The Breitling Wingwalkers. Under each sponsorship banner, AeroSuperBatics expanded its operational scope, eventually reaching the zenith of their formation displays with a five-ship formation in 2008. This ambitious display, known as the ‘Vulcan’ formation, paid homage to the restored Royal Air Force Avro Vulcan XH558, symbolizing a blend of historical reverence and contemporary aerial artistry.

In 1992, Vic Norman dedicated himself full-time to wing walking piloting, a commitment that underscored his passion and leadership within the team. This dedication coincided with the establishment of RFC Rendcomb Aerodrome as the team’s permanent base. The aerodrome, co-owned by Norman and his business partners—including Nick Mason of Pink Floyd—provided a strategic and historically rich environment for the team’s operations, fostering both logistical efficiency and a connection to aviation heritage.

Throughout its history, AeroSuperBatics has not only maintained but also expanded its repertoire of aerial performances, continually pushing the boundaries of what is possible in formation wing walking. The team has introduced innovative techniques, such as harnessed and tethered wing walking, which allow for more dynamic and visually striking performances. Their commitment to safety, precision, and creativity has earned them a respected place in the global aerial display community.

AeroSuperBatics’ international presence has grown steadily, with performances across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, reaching audiences as far afield as Japan, the Philippines, and Australia. This global outreach has been complemented by their ability to engage with high-profile individuals and events, enhancing their reputation and influence within both the entertainment and aviation sectors.

In addition to their public performances, AeroSuperBatics has diversified their offerings to include unique experiences such as airborne weddings and personalized wing walking experiences for members of the public. These ventures not only broaden the team’s appeal but also demonstrate their versatility and commitment to creating memorable and innovative aerial experiences.

Today, AeroSuperBatics stands as a paragon of aerial performance excellence, boasting a legacy of pioneering wing walking displays, setting world records, and fostering international acclaim. The team’s enduring success is a testament to Vic Norman’s visionary leadership, the skill and dedication of its pilots and wing walkers, and the unwavering support of their commercial partners. As they continue to soar to new heights, AeroSuperBatics remains at the forefront of the aerial display industry, inspiring awe and admiration through their unparalleled wing walking performances.

Did You Know?

• AeroSuperBatics is the world’s only formation wingwalking team, specializing in multi-aircraft aerobatics and wing walking.
• AeroSuperBatics was founded in 1982 by Vic Norman, a veteran aerobatics pilot and honorary air commodore of 614 Squadron RAuxAF RAF Reserve.
• AeroSuperBatics holds two Guinness World Records for the most consecutive wing walking rolls and for the shortest person to wing walk.
• AeroSuperBatics Wingwalkers can perform displays with up to three aircraft currently, and have previously performed with up to five aircraft.
• AeroSuperBatics offers the public the opportunity to experience wing walking and facilitated the world’s first wedding on the wing at 1,000 feet.