Daedalus Demo Team

The Hellenic Air Force T-6A Aircraft Demonstration Team Daedalus is a single-ship demonstration team that takes to the skies with the T-6A Texan II, a versatile training aircraft renowned for its agility and advanced design. Established in 2005 during the 1st International Air Show “Archangel” at Tanagra, the team made its debut on 18 September, marking a resurgence of acrobatic flight displays within the Hellenic Air Force after a nearly four-decade hiatus. Performing only a handful of displays each year, Daedalus captivates audiences with their precision and flair, showcasing the aircraft’s capabilities while serving as ambassadors for the Hellenic Air Force. The team’s mission is threefold: to spread the air concept throughout the Greek community, boost the morale of the Hellenic Armed Forces, and inspire the public to consider a career in aviation.

At the core of the Daedalus team is the main demonstration pilot, who typically commits to a three-to-four-year tenure—spending two to three years executing breathtaking maneuvers in the cockpit and one year as a coach to guide the next pilot. Supported by a flight and ground safety observing officer, a narrator who enhances the spectator experience with live commentary, and a skilled technical crew ensuring the aircraft’s peak performance, the team operates with seamless coordination. Their display routine is a dynamic blend of artistry and technical mastery, featuring two show types tailored to weather conditions: the High Show, requiring a 4500 ft AGL cloud base, and the Flat Show, suitable for 2500 ft AGL. The repertoire includes crowd-pleasing maneuvers such as the Cuban Eight, Eight Point Roll, Texas Sidewinder, and a Tactical Pitch-up to Land. With no angle of attack limitations, the T-6A Texan II performs with unrestricted freedom, while the strategic use of flares adds a dazzling visual element that lights up the sky.

The primary purpose of these electrifying performances is to showcase the T-6A Texan II to the public, highlighting its role within the Hellenic Air Force and promoting the pride and professionalism of the service. Far more than mere entertainment, each display is a recruitment call, designed to ignite a passion for aviation and encourage aspiring aviators to join the ranks of the Hellenic Air Force. From the thunderous Takeoff Roll to the high-energy High Speed Photo Pass, Daedalus delivers a spectacle that not only honors Greece’s aviation heritage but also looks to the future, inspiring the next generation to take flight.

The Beechcraft T-6 Texan II stands as a premier single-engine turboprop trainer aircraft, crafted by Textron Aviation to prepare pilots for the demands of modern military aviation. Derived from the Swiss-designed Pilatus PC-9, this aircraft boasts an advanced cockpit equipped with liquid crystal displays, mirroring the systems found in today’s fighter jets. Powered by a robust Pratt & Whitney PT6A-68 engine delivering 1,100 horsepower, the T-6 Texan II achieves a climb rate of 3,100 feet per minute and a service ceiling of 31,000 feet, offering exceptional performance for a trainer. Its blend of cutting-edge avionics and reliable engineering has made it a standout choice for air forces worldwide.

The T-6 Texan II emerged from the Joint Primary Aircraft Training System (JPATS) program in the 1990s, designed to replace aging trainers like the Cessna T-37B Tweet and T-34C Turbo Mentor. Following a competitive selection process, the first operational T-6A rolled out to Randolph Air Force Base in May 2000, marking the start of its service life. Since then, it has earned a global reputation, serving with distinction in the United States Air Force, United States Navy, Royal Canadian Air Force, and Hellenic Air Force, among others. Its adaptability and proven track record have cemented its status as a cornerstone of military flight training.

The Hellenic Air Force (HAF) employs 25 T-6A Texan II aircraft alongside 20 T-6A NTA (New Trainer Aircraft) variants, the latter uniquely armed with rocket pods, gun pods, external fuel tanks, and bombs for advanced training. Stationed at Kalamata Air Force Base with the 120 Air Training Wing’s 361 Squadron "Pelops," these aircraft are pivotal for basic pilot training, showcasing a distinctive white and blue camouflage. The HAF’s T-6A Demonstration Team, "Daedalus," further elevates its profile, dazzling crowds at airshows with displays of precision and agility since 2005, reflecting both the aircraft’s capabilities and the skill of Greek aviators.

In the Hellenic Air Force (HAF), the T-6 Texan II anchors an advanced pilot training program, equipping new aviators with the skills needed for modern combat aircraft. Based at Kalamata Air Force Base, the T-6A variant serves the 120 Air Training Wing’s 361 Squadron "Pelops," where its state-of-the-art cockpit replicates fighter jet systems, easing the transition for trainees. The HAF operates both the standard T-6A and the armed T-6A NTA, the latter capable of carrying weapons like rocket pods and bombs, tailoring training to include tactical scenarios. Its white and blue camouflage distinguishes it as a symbol of Greek military aviation.

The T-6 Texan II entered HAF service in the early 2000s, a product of a strategic contract to modernize Greece’s training fleet. Replacing outdated aircraft, it brought enhanced safety, performance, and efficiency, driven by its Pratt & Whitney PT6A-68 engine and sturdy design. This upgrade has allowed the HAF to conduct a broad spectrum of training missions, from foundational flight skills to complex maneuvers, ensuring pilots are well-prepared for operational roles. Its arrival marked a leap forward in Greece’s aviation training capabilities, aligning with NATO standards.

• Global Reach in Pilot Training: The Beechcraft T-6 Texan II, a single-engine turboprop, is used by over a dozen air forces worldwide, including the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, Royal Canadian Air Force (as the CT-156 Harvard II), and Japan Air Self-Defense Force, making it one of the most widely adopted military trainers today.
• Advanced Ejection System: The T-6 Texan II is equipped with Martin-Baker zero/zero ejection seats, allowing safe crew ejection even at ground level and zero speed, a critical safety feature for a trainer aircraft.
• Derived from Swiss Design: Based on the Pilatus PC-9, the T-6 Texan II was significantly modified by Beechcraft to meet the U.S. Joint Primary Aircraft Training System (JPATS) requirements, resulting in a heavier, more advanced aircraft with modern digital avionics.
• Hollywood Stand-In: The T-6 Texan II’s predecessor, the North American T-6 Texan, was famously modified to resemble Japanese Mitsubishi A6M Zero fighters in films like Tora! Tora! Tora! and The Final Countdown, showcasing its versatility in media.
• Light Attack Capability: Beyond training, the AT-6 Wolverine variant of the T-6 Texan II is designed for light attack missions, equipped with wing pylons for weapons and sensors, and has been tested for counter-terrorism and border security roles.