Aerobatic Team Orlik

Zespół Akrobacyjny “Orlik” is the Polish Air Force’s turboprop display team, flying the home-grown PZL-130TC-II Orlik. Formed in 1998, the unit showcases disciplined formation flying and crisp opposition figures while doubling as a showcase for Poland’s training fleet.

The team is associated with the 42nd Air Training Base (Radom–Sadków), and its pilots are instructor-qualified—display flying is scheduled around the training syllabus. Depending on aircraft/pilot availability the team performs with six to seven aircraft, with occasional smaller formations outside peak season.

Type. Polish two-seat basic/advanced turboprop trainer, all-metal low-wing with retractable gear. The current team mount is the TC-II standard.

Powerplant. Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-25C turboprop delivering smooth throttle response and reliable performance ideal for precision formation aerobatics.

Avionics & features. Modernized cockpit with updated avionics and displays; smoke system fitted for displays. Many fleet airframes received aerodynamic refinements (including winglets) under the TC-II upgrades.

The team’s debut season was 1998, with the first foreign appearance at the Royal International Air Tattoo the same year. Initially a four-ship (three-ship formation plus solo), Orlik expanded to seven aircraft and at times has fielded a nine-ship for special occasions.

Following a short hiatus in the mid-2000s, the team returned to the display circuit and has since been a fixture at major Polish events (including Air Show Radom) and European airshows. Fleet upgrades to the TC-II standard brought improved performance and avionics, enhancing safety and show precision.

• “Orlik” translates to “eaglet”, a nod to Poland’s heraldic white eagle.
• Pilots are current instructors at Radom, so display flying complements the training pipeline.
• Polish aircraft wear the red-and-white checkerboard szachownica national marking.
• The team’s first overseas show was at RIAT 1998 in the UK.
• Depending on tasking, the team can scale from small formations to a classic seven-ship display.