Team Raven
About the Team
Team Raven is a UK-based civilian formation aerobatic team flying from Swansea Airport, Wales. Established in May 2014, the team is self-funded and performs tight, precise routines using Van’s RV-8 kit-built aircraft with on-board white smoke. The name is a nod to the aircraft type—“RaVen” stylised on the fuselage plays on the letters RV.
Displays feature close formation changes, opposition passes and solo elements with crisp, flowing choreography. The core formation comprises six RV-8s; since 2025 the team also display as a seven-ship at selected events, expanding their visual impact while retaining trademark precision.
About the Van’s RV-8
Type & role. The Van’s RV-8 is a tandem two-seat, low-wing kit aircraft designed by Richard VanGrunsven. First flown in 1995, it evolved from the RV-4 with a larger airframe and cockpit to better accommodate pilots and passengers.
Construction & performance. All-metal airframe with conventional gear (RV-8) or nose gear (RV-8A). Typical engines range from 150–210 hp (e.g., Lycoming IO-360/IO-390). The RV-8 meets FAA aerobatic category standards of roughly +6/−3 g, making it well-suited to loops, rolls and formation aerobatics while still carrying two people.
Team fit. Team Raven’s aircraft are equipped with smoke systems and harmonised controls that deliver smooth formation handling and punchy vertical performance—ideal for crowd-pleasing “diamond” and “arrowhead” shapes.
Team Facts
Display Aircraft
6–7 × Van’s RV-8
Founded / Debut
May 2014 / First displays June 2014
Base
Swansea Airport, Wales (UK)
Status
Active civilian team
Team History
Origins (2014). Team Raven formed in May 2014, with roots in earlier UK civilian display teams. Early appearances included their first public display in June 2014 and international outings the same month.
Growth. The team developed a reputation for smooth, close formation work using RV-8s. They have performed widely across the UK and Europe, frequently appearing at major seaside shows in Wales and beyond.
Today. The modern line-up typically fields six RV-8s. From the 2025 season, Team Raven also flies a seven-ship at selected events—an evolution that adds new geometry and scale to their signature routine.
Did You Know?
- The ‘RaVen’ fuselage branding is a playful nod to the aircraft family: RV.
- Many team members previously flew with other UK civilian teams—experience that shaped Raven’s smooth, close-in style.
- The RV-8’s aerobatic category rating of roughly +6/−3 g allows crisp formation manoeuvres with a passenger onboard.
- Team Raven is self-funded and has become a regular favourite at Welsh seaside shows.
- Since 2025 the team can also display as a 7-ship, expanding formations like diamond and arrowhead.
