The Italian military formation team Frecce Tricolori at work during an air show.
The team was founded in 1961 and was led at the time by Major Mario Squarcina. Six F-86E Sabres were flown, which were used as interceptor aircraft by the Italian Air Force. In 1962, this was expanded to nine aircraft. The following year, the team switched to the Fiat G.91, after which a tenth aircraft was added to the team in 1965.
In 1983, the team switched to the Aermacchi MB-339 jet trainer, which is still in use today. In case of emergency, the 313th Squadron can also deploy this aircraft as a light ground attack aircraft.
The team is stationed at the Rivolto air base near Codroipo in the Italian province of Udine.
Kris Christiaens is a professional aviation photographer who always tries to portray the power, manoeuvrability and history of aircraft and helicopters in the most original and impressive way possible... Read more…