Esquadrilha da Fumaça

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Also known as

Esquadrão de Demonstração Aérea, EDA

Years Active

1952

Genres

aerial acrobatics, aerial demonstration

Instruments

aircraft

Biography

The Smoke Squadron, officially known as the Aerial Demonstration Squadron (EDA), is an aerial acrobatics team of the Brazilian Air Force (FAB). Its origins date back to 1952, when flight instructors from the former Aeronautics School in Rio de Janeiro began training group maneuvers during their off-duty hours, with the goal of encouraging cadets to trust in their skills and the safety of the aircraft. The first official demonstration took place on May 14, 1952. In 1953, to improve the visibility of the maneuvers, oil was introduced into the exhaust to create the smoke effect, which led to the affectionate nickname "Esquadrilha da Fumaça" (Smoke Squadron).

Throughout its history, the Smoke Squadron has used various aircraft, such as the North American T-6 Texan, the Super Fouga Magister, the Neiva T-25 Universal, the Embraer T-27 Tucano, and, more recently, the A-29 Super Tucano. In 1963, it was transformed into the "Official Unit of Acrobatic Demonstrations of the Brazilian Air Force". The team is recognized nationally and internationally, having performed in several countries and achieved a Guinness World Record in 2006 for the world record in inverted flight formation with 12 aircraft.

The Smoke Squadron is not only a spectacle of skill and precision, but also an important instrument of social communication for the FAB, promoting the image of the Brazilian Air Force and the professionalism of its members. The team, composed of pilots and maintenance specialists (called "Guardian Angels"), keeps alive the essence of boldness and determination that has characterized it since its foundation, always striving for excellence in its presentations. In 2017, the military band "Banda Ranier" released a song and music video in tribute to the squadron, titled "O Céu é o Limite" (The Sky is the Limit), reinforcing the cultural importance and reach of the team.

Discography

• Tora! Tora! Tora! (1984)