
The Firebirds Aerobatic Display Team
About the Team
The Firebirds are a UK-based civilian aerobatic display team flying a tight two-ship routine in Van’s RV-4 kitplanes, including night/sunset shows with LED lighting and wingtip pyrotechnics. They perform across the UK and Europe, including “Night Air” style displays.
The team’s home base is LEC Airfield (EGKC), Bognor Regis, West Sussex, where they’re frequently seen operating from the 610 m tarmac runway alongside the Bognor Regis Gliding Club.
About the Van’s RV-4
Type & role. The Van’s Aircraft RV-4 is a tandem two-seat, all-metal sport aircraft supplied in kit form and suitable for aerobatics; first flight August 1979. Designed by Richard VanGrunsven.
Structure & limits. RV-series aerobatic models are designed to +6/−3 g at aerobatic weight; typical roll rate for the RV-4 family is >140°/s with crisp handling.
Powerplants. Common fits include Lycoming O-320 or O-360 (150–180 hp), giving lively climb and good energy retention for formation aeros. Vne is typically around the low-200 mph IAS range for RV models.
Team Facts
Display Aircraft
2 × Van’s RV-4 (pyro-capable)
Founded / Renamed
2015 (as FireFlies) → 2022 rebrand to Firebirds
Base
LEC Airfield (EGKC), Bognor Regis
Did You Know?
- The Firebirds evolved from the FireFlies brand created in 2015.
- They fly pyro-equipped routines with LEDs for dusk/night shows.
- Home base is LEC Airfield (EGKC) at Bognor Regis.
- Their RV-4s have typical aerobatic design limits of +6/−3 g.
- Historic FireFlies airframes include G-SPRK and G-SPRX.
Test Your Knowledge
1. Where are the Firebirds based?