Black Eagles at UK Airshow After 10 Years... Best Award and Popularity Award

[Fairford, UK = Ministry of National Defense Joint Press Corps, Asia Economy Military Specialist Reporter Yang Nak-gyu] The Air Force's special flight team, Black Eagles, participated in the world's largest military airshow, the RIAT (Royal International Air Tattoo) Airshow, held at Fairford Air Base in the UK on the 17th (local time) for the first time in 10 years, winning both the Best Award and the Popularity Award.

On the 18th, the Air Force stated, "In a performance competition among 38 teams from 34 countries, our Black Eagles team, consisting of 8 members, showcased the performance of the T-50B, Korea's main aircraft developed domestically, with creative and spectacular performances, sweeping the Best Award and Popularity Award just like 10 years ago." They added, "They simultaneously received the 'Best Flying Demonstration judged by FRIAT,' awarded to the team with the most outstanding technical skills, and 'The King Hussein Memorial Sword RIAT 2022,' given to the best team among the participants."

Major Yang Eun-ho (Air Force Academy Class 56), who led the formation as the pilot of the 'Number 1 aircraft' during their first participation in RIAT in 10 years, said, "The competitiveness of the Black Eagles comes from the excellent T-50 aircraft, which has really good maneuverability." He added, "Because we can perform the airshow at a fast tempo and execute combat maneuvers, I believe many people like and enjoy the Black Eagles airshow."

Kim Ji-hyung, Public Relations Manager at Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), who has direct experience participating in the design of the T-50, said, "Seeing the Republic of Korea Air Force's Black Eagles T-50B stand out among the world's formidable fighter jets and special flight teams made me proud and fulfilled for the five years I spent involved in its design." He continued, "Now, as a promoter, I will become a cornerstone for exporting 1,000 units based on the T-50's outstanding performance and proven reliability."

The Black Eagles members enjoyed high popularity at this RIAT, similar to that of K-pop groups. Some local spectators waited to get autographs from the Black Eagles pilots after their maneuvers. Isla Russell, a local audience member, attracted attention by handing a letter written in Korean, which she had studied through K-pop, to a pilot. In the letter, she wrote in Korean, "Dear Black Eagles, it is an honor to be with you. I hope you have a great time here in the UK and can come back again soon," expressing her deep 'fan spirit.'

Students who came from Scotland to watch the airshow also received autographs from the Korean pilots on their hats, and the Black Eagles team enjoyed top popularity. Amy Davana, a member of the British Air Force Band's youth military education cadets, dressed in the traditional Scottish attire 'kilt,' said, "Among the performances I saw at this airshow, the Black Eagles were the best. In fact, they were even cooler than the Red Arrows (the UK Air Force's special flight team)." She gave a thumbs-up, saying, "The Black Eagles showed unique and creative maneuvers that are hard to see in European countries' flight team performances."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.