The team was founded in 1961 and was led at that time by Major Mario Squarcina. The team flew six F-86E Sabres; these aircraft were used as interceptors by the Italian Air Force. In 1962, the team expanded to nine aircraft. The next year, the team changed to the Aeritalia G.91PAN. In 1965, a tenth aircraft was added to the team.
In 1983, the team switched to the Aermacchi MB-339A/PAN, which is still in use today. The low point for the team was the plane crash at Ramstein Air Base on August 28, 1988. Three team members and 67 spectators were killed. Since then the team has recovered from this disaster and gives about 40 demonstrations a year all over the world.
                                
 
                                Hello, nice that you take a look in my shop. So my name is Gert Hilbink, living in Coevorden. I have been doing photography since I was 13, inspired by a biology teacher at the then U.L.O. school in Coevorden. Generally I mainly photograph nature but actually.. Read more…
 Frysian HorsesGert Hilbink
Frysian HorsesGert Hilbink SquirrelGert Hilbink
SquirrelGert Hilbink Oil on water, colorful surfaceGert Hilbink
Oil on water, colorful surfaceGert Hilbink F-16 Fighting FalconGert Hilbink
F-16 Fighting FalconGert Hilbink F-16 Fighting FalconGert Hilbink
F-16 Fighting FalconGert Hilbink F-16 Fighting FalconGert Hilbink
F-16 Fighting FalconGert Hilbink F-16 Fighting FalconGert Hilbink
F-16 Fighting FalconGert Hilbink F-16 Fighting Falcon, take off.Gert Hilbink
F-16 Fighting Falcon, take off.Gert Hilbink Scottish HighlanderGert Hilbink
Scottish HighlanderGert Hilbink Scottish HighlandersGert Hilbink
Scottish HighlandersGert Hilbink Canyons in America, Antelope CanyonGert Hilbink
Canyons in America, Antelope CanyonGert Hilbink Canyons in Amerika, Antelope CanyonGert Hilbink
Canyons in Amerika, Antelope CanyonGert Hilbink The Fifth of Beethoven, Ludwig van BeethovenGert Hilbink
The Fifth of Beethoven, Ludwig van BeethovenGert Hilbink KLM Boeing 747-400M, PH-BFV. City of VancouverGert Hilbink
KLM Boeing 747-400M, PH-BFV. City of VancouverGert Hilbink Porsche 911 Carrera, with text whiteGert Hilbink
Porsche 911 Carrera, with text whiteGert Hilbink Porsche 911 Carrera 4S, sports car.Gert Hilbink
Porsche 911 Carrera 4S, sports car.Gert Hilbink Porsche 911 Carrera 4S, sports car.Gert Hilbink
Porsche 911 Carrera 4S, sports car.Gert Hilbink Map of Zutphen, circa 1650, with white frame.Gert Hilbink
Map of Zutphen, circa 1650, with white frame.Gert Hilbink Porsche 911 Turbo SGert Hilbink
Porsche 911 Turbo SGert Hilbink F-16 Fighting FalconGert Hilbink
F-16 Fighting FalconGert Hilbink