We would like to place Cookies on your computer to give you the best possible experience when you visit our website. If you are happy with the current Cookie settings and want to continue to use this website as normal, click 'OK'. You also have the option to change these settings, plus learn more about Cookies and how we use them. More information on Cookies.

OK
Change settings

Sign into my account

Forgot your username Forgot your password

Protecting our Nation's Interests

Skip to main content

Black Cats Helicopter Display Team

The Black Cats are an exciting four-man helicopter display team who thrill audiences at air shows with their dynamic flying displays in Lynx helicopters.

Black Cats
Black Cats
Black Cats
Black Cats

The Black Cats are the Royal Navy’s Helicopter Display Team flying front-line Lynx maritime attack helicopters.

The Team started in 2001 as the ‘Lynx Pair’ and have been the first official Royal Navy flying display team since the ‘Sharks’ disbanded in the mid-1990s.

Winning several awards over the years the Black Cats are requested to display all over the UK and at many European air shows.

The aircrew and engineers are all volunteers from 702 Naval Air Squadron and the Lynx Helicopter Force based at the Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton in Somerset.

The name ‘Black Cats’ is derived from the fierce cat depicted on the 702 Naval Air Squadron emblem and the term ‘blackcatting’ which is naval slang for one-upmanship – doing or owning something better than someone else.

Calender of Events 2012

26–27 May

Southend Air Festival

8 Jun

Dawlish Air Show

17 Jun

Cosford Air Show

23 Jun

Yeovilton Air Day

30 Jun–1 Jul

Waddington Air Show

21–22 Jul

Sunderland Air Show

1 Aug

Weymouth Bay Festival

25–26 Aug

Chris Evans’ CarFest

29–30 Aug

Dartmouth Regatta

30 Aug–2 Sep

Bournemouth Air Festival

8-9 Sep

Southport Air Show

12-14 Sep

Jersey & Guernsey Air Shows

14 Oct

Duxford Autumn Air Show

Click here for illustrated details of the Display Routines

                                                                                                            Black Cats 2012

TAKE A LOOK

Image Gallery

LATEST NEWS

 

TOP STORIES

Northumberland’s Merlin fliers return after seven-month pirate-busting mission
Northumberland’s Merlin fliers return after seven-month pirate-busting mission
13 May 2013

Seven months of pirate-busting in the Indian Ocean are over...

Royal Navy and Royal Marines demonstrate skills at Jersey boat show
Royal Navy and Royal Marines demonstrate skills at Jersey boat show
07 May 2013

Royal Navy fishery protection vessel HMS Mersey took centre stage...

Armed Forces Day
Armed Forces unveil spectacular support to national celebrations
03 May 2013

A volley of gun blasts from Nottingham Castle will ensure...

New commando Sea King aircrew reach for the sky
New commando Sea King aircrew reach for the sky
19 April 2013

Nine new aviators from the Commando Helicopter Force (CHF) were...

Current Jobs

Aircraft Controller

As an Aircraft Controller, you’ll be the critical link between the aircraft and its base, whether that’s a ship at sea or Royal Naval Air Station on land. You’re involved in the mission at every stage, from getting the aircraft...
More info

Aircrew Officer Pilot

As a Fleet Air Arm helicopter pilot, you'll drop Royal Marines Commandos and their equipment into action, carry out surveillance and anti-submarine operations and fly reconnaissance or search and rescue missions over land and sea.  You must have the commitment...
More info

Aircrew Officer Navigation/Weapons Systems

As an Aircrew Officer Navigation/Weapons Systems, you’ll have one of the most demanding and complex jobs in aviation.  After gaining a thorough grounding in navigation, first aid, emergency handling and survival, you’ll complete training for your specialist role on one...
More info