Silver Swallows

About the Team

The Silver Swallows epitomize the pinnacle of aerobatic excellence within the Irish Air Corps, showcasing the skill, dedication, and unwavering passion of four exceptional pilots. Stationed at the prestigious Casement Aerodrome in Dublin, the team operates the robust Pilatus PC-9M turboprop training aircraft. Diverging from the traditional flamboyant paint schemes of many aerobatic teams, the Silver Swallows maintain their authentic operational colors. Each aircraft is adorned in a sleek light grey finish complemented by striking red trim, highlighting the aerodynamic elegance and technical precision of the PC-9Ms without the need for additional decorative enhancements.

Every member of the Silver Swallows is not only a highly skilled pilot but also an active flight instructor within the Irish Air Corps. These dedicated aviators volunteer their personal time to refine the intricate maneuvers that define the team’s captivating displays, ensuring that each performance is executed with exceptional professionalism and finesse. Their synchronized routines span approximately 15 minutes, featuring a dynamic blend of tight formation flypasts, seamless loops, strategic breaks, and dazzling solo aerobatics. This versatility allows the Silver Swallows to adapt their performances dynamically, transitioning effortlessly between solo acts, harmonious two-ship harmonies, synchronized three-ship formations, and the impressive four-ship displays that leave audiences in awe.

Primarily gracing the skies of the Republic of Ireland, the Silver Swallows are a staple at prestigious events such as the annual Bray Air Display. Their presence extends to significant national celebrations and special occasions, including monumental events like the Easter Rising centenary parade in 2016. These performances not only entertain but also embody national pride and the enduring legacy of the Irish Air Corps. As ambassadors of Ireland’s aerial prowess, the Silver Swallows continue to inspire future generations of aviators and aviation enthusiasts with their breathtaking displays and unwavering commitment to their craft.

Team Overview

About the aircraft

The Pilatus PC-9M is a single-engine, low-wing tandem-seat turboprop trainer developed by Pilatus Aircraft in Switzerland. An evolution of the PC-7, it first flew in May 1984 and received certification in September 1985. The Royal Saudi Air Force placed the first production orders, with deliveries starting that same year. To date, over 250 units have been produced in five variants, serving military and civilian operators worldwide, including the Swiss, Croatian, and Royal Thai Air Forces.

While retaining the PC-7’s overall layout, the PC-9M features significant upgrades, including a larger cockpit with stepped ejection seats and a ventral airbrake. The program began in 1982, with initial aerodynamic tests conducted on the PC-7. The first prototype flew in May 1984, followed by a nearly production-ready second prototype in July. Although it lost the Royal Air Force trainer competition to the Short Tucano, the connections forged during the process led to successful orders, starting with Saudi Arabia.

Team History

The history of the Silver Swallows is a rich tapestry that reflects both heritage and evolution within the Irish Air Corps’ aerobatic tradition. The original Silver Swallows were established in 1986, emerging as a premier aerobatic team drawn from the Light Strike Squadron based at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel near Dublin. This inaugural team operated four Fouga CM170 Magister jet trainers, chosen for their distinctive light grey coloration and V-shaped tails—features that not only defined their visual identity but also inspired the team’s name. The moniker “Silver Swallows” symbolized both the grace and agility that the team embodied in the skies.

The original Silver Swallows made their debut in 1982, performing to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Irish Air Corps. Their inaugural display featured maneuvers designed to engage closely with spectators, including dynamic elements such as breaking up and reforming formations mid-flight to maintain proximity and spectacle. This innovative approach set a high standard for future aerobatic displays, with their first formation loop taking place at the Air Spectacular in Fairyhouse in 1983. Over the next decade, the original Silver Swallows honed their skills, gaining recognition for their exceptional coordination and artistry. In August 1987, during the Air Spectacular held at Baldonnel, Team Silver was officially renamed the Silver Swallows, solidifying their identity and legacy within the Irish Air Corps.

Throughout their tenure from 1986 to 1998, the original Silver Swallows became a celebrated presence at national airshows, renowned for their engaging and precise displays. Their international presence was limited but noteworthy, with their first overseas appearance at the RAF Brawdy Open Day in 1990. In 1997, they commemorated the Irish Air Corps’ 75th anniversary with performances across the UK and Belgium, including a standout appearance at the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire. There, they were honored with the prestigious Lockheed Martin Cannestra Trophy for Best Display by an Overseas Performer, underscoring their reputation as a world-class aerobatic team.

The disbandment of the original Silver Swallows in 1998 marked the end of an era, coinciding with the retirement of the Fouga Magister from Irish Air Corps service. However, the spirit and legacy of the team endured, laying the foundation for future generations of aerobatic excellence. In 2004, with the introduction of the Pilatus PC-9M turboprop training aircraft to the Irish Air Corps fleet, an unofficial display team known as Team Silver emerged. This new ensemble of pilots, comprised of active flight instructors, began showcasing the capabilities of the PC-9Ms through evolving displays that gradually incorporated new elements and complexities, differentiating themselves from the original Silver Swallows.

A pivotal moment in Team Silver’s history occurred in 2016. On March 27, 2016, the team, alongside two additional PC-9Ms, performed a memorable flypast over Dublin as part of the Easter Rising centenary parade. This performance was historic as it marked the first time the team utilized smoke systems, trailing green-white-orange smoke that symbolized the Irish flag, adding a visually stunning dimension to their display. Later that year, on July 23 and 24, Team Silver delivered their first official aerobatic display with smoke at the Bray Air Display. These advancements not only enhanced the visual impact of their performances but also demonstrated the team’s commitment to innovation and excellence in aerial displays.

For many years, Team Silver operated independently, primarily within the Republic of Ireland, while making select appearances abroad, such as at the Newcastle Festival of Flight in Northern Ireland in 2011, 2012 and 2013. Their dedication and innovative displays kept the spirit of aerobatic excellence alive, even without the official branding of the original Silver Swallows. This persistence and passion set the stage for a significant transformation in 2022.

In a momentous revival, the unofficial Team Silver was officially renamed the Silver Swallows in 2022, honoring the legacy of the original team while ushering in a new era of aerial performance. This rebranding marked the formal recognition of the team’s evolution and its continuity with the rich history of the Irish Air Corps’ aerobatic tradition. The newly named Silver Swallows transitioned to flying four modern Pilatus PC-9Ms from the Air Corps College, Flying Training School, bringing advanced technology and enhanced capabilities to their performances. Their first official appearance under the renewed name took place on July 10, 2022, during the National Day of Commemoration in Collins Barracks, Dublin, where they performed a poignant flypast to the stirring finale of the Irish National Anthem.

Later that year, the Silver Swallows made a triumphant return to the international stage at the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford, delivering a spectacular 15-minute four-ship display that reaffirmed their status as a premier aerobatic team. Building on their revitalized legacy, the team showcased their skills at the Bray Air Display and further solidified their international reputation with their performance at the Belgian Sanicole International Airshow. The Sanicole display was notably streamlined, featuring a pure formation display without breaks or opposition passes, highlighting the team’s precision and coordination in a more focused and cohesive presentation.

The revival of the Silver Swallows in 2022 bridges the gap between past and present, ensuring that the legacy of the original team endures while embracing modern advancements. By adopting the Pilatus PC-9Ms and incorporating innovative display techniques, the Silver Swallows honor their heritage and propel the Irish Air Corps’ aerobatic tradition into the future. Their enduring legacy stands as a testament to the unwavering dedication of the pilots and the rich history of aerial excellence that defines the Silver Swallows.

Did You Know?

• The Silver Swallows fly Pilatus PC-9M turboprop trainers painted in sleek light grey with striking red trim, emphasizing aerodynamic elegance without additional decorative flair.
• Originally formed in 1986, the Silver Swallows initially showcased their skills using Fouga CM170 Magister jet trainers before transitioning to the modern Pilatus PC-9M.
• In 2022, the unofficial Team Silver was officially renamed the Silver Swallows, revitalizing the legacy of the original aerobatic team within the Irish Air Corps.
• During the 2016 Easter Rising centenary parade, the Silver Swallows made history by incorporating green-white-orange smoke trails symbolizing the Irish flag into their flypast.
• The original Silver Swallows earned international acclaim by winning the Lockheed Martin Cannestra Trophy for Best Display by an Overseas Performer at the Royal International Air Tattoo in 1997.