Rotores de Portugal
 |
This article relies on references to primary sources. (June 2008) |
| Rotores de Portugal | |
|---|---|
 The three Alouette III of the Rotores de Portugal |
|
| Active | April, 1976 to the Present |
| Country |  Portugal |
| Branch |  Portuguese Air Force |
| Type | Aerobatic team |
| Role | Helicopter flight demonstration |
| Size | 5 Officers 6 Enlisted |
| Part of | Squadron 552 |
| Garrison/HQ | Air Base 11, Beja, Portugal |
| Aircraft flown | |
| Helicopter | Aérospatiale Alouette III |
The Rotores de Portugal (Rotors of Portugal) is a helicopter flight demonstration team created in 1976, operated by Esquadra 552 (Squadron 552) of the Portuguese Air Force out of Beja Air Base, Portugal. They are Portugal's national helicopter display team and use three Sud Aviation Alouette III.
In 1976, the aerobatic team Rotores de Portugal was created by order of the Air Force Chief of Staff (CEMFA) to represent the Portuguese Air Force in several festivals all over the country. The team operated for 18 years while integrated with the 102 Squadron Panchos, and flew a total of 41 demonstrations.
On the fifty-third anniversary of the Air Force, in 2005, the Rotores de Portugal were reactivated and integrated with the 552 Squadron, based at Beja Air Base.
Aircraft
| Aircraft | Origin | Squadron | Display Aircraft | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sud Aviation Alouette III | France | Squadron 33 | 4 | 1976—1980 |
| Squadron 102 | 2 | 1982—1992 | ||
| Squadron 111 | 4 | 1993—1994 | ||
| Squadron 552 | 2 | 2004—2005 | ||
| Squadron 552 | 3 | 2006—present |
External links
- Rotores de Portugal website (Portuguese)
