BLUE IMPULSE

JAPAN’S AEROBATIC DEMONSTRATION TEAM

  As the Japan Self Defence Force (JSDF) celebrates it 60^th anniversary, the Force aerobatic team, Blue Impulse, is itself in its 54^th year and is commemorating the JSDF’s Anniversary in 2014 with 17 displays at airshows around Japan during the year.  In a tribute to the Anniversary, here is a snapshot of the team’s immaculate presentation and choreography.

Founded in 1960 and originally known as ‘Tenryu’ it took on the more recognisable and present title soon after.  Initial equipment was the F-86F Sabre, and this mount was replaced in 1980 after 20 years service by the Mitsubishi T-2, which served until 1995.  The T-2 was subsequently replaced by the currently operated Kawasaki T-4.

The team (officially 11 Sqn/4^th Air Wing) is home based at Matsushima Air Base and operates nine examples of the T-4, two of which are back up aircraft.

The images below were taken during the final display of the 2013 airshow calender.

GAFLIKS

ground att's prepping prior start up

ship 2

line up ships 3, 4, 5, 6

ship 1 leads the team out

ship 2 falls in line

a Hi to the photographer from Ship 2 as it passes

Ship's 1 to 4 airborne

Blue Impulse's team patch

Ship's 1 to 4 in line taxi out to the active

the team approach airfield over the spare's Ship...

Ship's 5 and 6 catch up

Smoke on Go!.... flyby Ship's 1 to 6

Thanks to GAFLIKS for providing this report.

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