The Belgian Air Force’s aerobtic team, the Red Devils, may get a stay of execution.
Originally planned to be stood down following last weekend’s Sanicole Airshow, due to the impending retirement of their SF.260s from active service, it was remarked by the airshow commentator that the team may be allowed to continue for one further season.
First formed in 1957 flying the Hawker Hunter, the team often flew as a nine-ship team but occasionally appeared with up to 25 jets. In 1960, the team recieved the Red Devils name and was scaled back to just four aircraft. It was disbanded three years later.
In 1965, the team was reformed with seven Fouga Magisters. In the early 1970s, this was frequently cut back to just two or three aircraft due to increased fuel prices caused by the oil crisis. They expanded to a six-ship team after the crisis, but were disbanded again in 1977.
In 2008, the Belgian Air Force established a new four-ship aerobatic team os SF.260s called Hardship Red. They officially took over the Red Devils brand in 2011.
An official announcement on their future beyond 2024 has not been made.