AeroSuperBatics Wingwalkers — Formation Wingwalking Team (UK)
AeroSuperBatics Wingwalkers — Super Stearman formation

AeroSuperBatics Wingwalkers

About the Team

AeroSuperBatics are the UK’s famous formation wingwalking team, flying highly modified “Super Stearman” biplanes with wingwalkers performing atop the wings. The team are based at RFC Rendcomb Aerodrome near Cirencester, Gloucestershire, where the company was founded by Vic Norman and has operated wingwalking displays since 1987 following its creation in 1982. Their display mixes classic barnstorming with tight formation aerobatics and solo highlights.

The fleet and crews support single-ship and pairs (with larger formations historically), and the wingwalkers’ harnessed rigs allow dynamic poses during loops, rolls and opposition passes — all choreographed to showcase both piloting precision and athletic performance.

About the Super Stearman

Type & role. AeroSuperBatics operate a fleet of four Boeing-Stearman Model 75 biplanes upgraded to “Super Stearman” standard for wingwalking. Each airframe carries a purpose-built, certified wingwalking rig.

Powerplant & propeller. The team’s Stearmans are re-engined with Pratt & Whitney R-985 9-cylinder radials producing about 450 hp, turning Hamilton Standard 2D30/6101A-12 constant-speed propellers — a major step up from the original 220-hp trainers.

Wingwalking mods. Extra ailerons on the upper wings improve roll rate; the front cockpit controls are removed to give the wingwalker clear access; and the aircraft carry smoke systems for display.

Origins. The Stearman primary trainer first flew in 1933 and trained thousands of Allied pilots before moving into post-war civilian roles like barnstorming and crop-dusting.

Team Facts

Display Aircraft

4 × “Super Stearman” (Boeing-Stearman 75)

Founded / Wingwalking Since

1982 / 1987

Base

RFC Rendcomb Aerodrome (Cirencester)

Engine & Prop

P&W R-985 (450 hp) + Hamilton Standard CS prop

Team History

Origins (1982–1991). AeroSuperBatics was founded by Vic Norman in 1982. Inspired by US wingwalking displays, Norman introduced wingwalking to the team in 1987.

Building the act (1992). The team established their permanent base at RFC Rendcomb Aerodrome in 1992 and expanded Stearman operations.

Sponsorship eras. Over the years the act has flown under several sponsor brands — including Utterly Butterly, Team Guinot and later the Breitling Wingwalkers (circa 2010–2018) — while remaining the same core outfit at Rendcomb.

Today. AeroSuperBatics continue to appear at major UK and international airshows with single and pairs routines, showcasing classic Stearman aerobatics with modern safety systems and choreography.

Did You Know?

  • The team’s Stearmans use extra ailerons on the upper wings to boost roll rate — handy when you’re rolling with a wingwalker on board.
  • RFC Rendcomb Aerodrome has been the home of AeroSuperBatics since the early 1990s.
  • Each aircraft mounts a certified wingwalking rig with harness and tether so the wingwalker can safely change poses in flight.
  • During the Breitling Wingwalkers era the team toured widely across Europe and beyond, bringing the orange-and-white Stearmans to huge crowds.
  • The Stearman airframe itself dates back to the early 1930s and trained thousands of WW2 pilots before its barnstorming second life.

Test Your Knowledge

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1. AeroSuperBatics are based at which aerodrome?

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