The Black Cats are the Royal Navy's helicopter display team and perform using two Royal Navy Lynx helicopters.
The carefully choreographed display features a full display of the precision and aerobatic capabilities of the Lynx. The acclaimed aerobatic display has been described as an aerial ballet but also features high-speed crosses, close formation work and opposing manoeuvres.
HISTORY
The team have been a fixture on the Airshow circuit for several years under the title of The Lynx Pair and won the Steadman Sword for the best British participant at the Royal International Air Tattoo in 2003. In 2004, increased support from the Royal Navy and Agusta Westland Helicopters saw the team reinvented as "The Black Cats" for the forthcoming season.
The team are the first official RN helicopter display team since The Sharks, who disbanded in the mid 1990’s. The team have however drawn from their predecessor’s displays and use several manoeuvres, which were trademarks of the 4 red Gazelle helicopters.
The team's title "The Black Cats" comes from a combination of the Lynx wildcat featured on the 702 Squadron badge and the naval slang of 'black catting', which is a form of one-upmanship by having done something or owning something better than anyone else.
The Royal Navy Lynx differs from the Army Lynx in that it has a wheeled undercarriage unlike the Army version which has skids.
AIRSHOWS 2011
This year (2010) the team has undergone a transformation with the arrival of two new pilots: Lt Becky Frater (Black Lead) (the first ever female pilot to fly in the Royal Navy 'Black Cats ' helicopter display team) and Lt Chris Chambers (Black 2) have taken the helm. It is an exciting time for the Black Cats; preparations for a brand new display are well underway.
