Tiger Nine

Tiger Nine are a UK vintage formation team flying the iconic de Havilland DH.82 Tiger Moth biplanes. Based at White Waltham Airfield in Berkshire, the team is known for elegant nine-ship formations, dramatic opposition passes and crowd-pleasing breaks that showcase precise handling of these classic aircraft.

The team’s displays emphasize smooth, close formation at heritage airshow speeds, celebrating the Tiger Moth’s timeless lines and the pilots’ disciplined teamwork. While a fixture at British events, Tiger Nine have also appeared internationally, including mainland Europe.

Type & role. Classic British two-seat biplane trainer from the early 1930s. The Tiger Moth’s forgiving handling and excellent visibility make it ideal for graceful formation displays.

Design. Fabric-covered biplane with tandem open cockpits and simple, robust systems suited to vintage operating practices. Tiger Nine aircraft retain the period character while being meticulously maintained for modern display flying.

Display fit. Each aircraft carries discrete radio and formation gear; routines favour elegant figures, gentle aerobatics and precise station-keeping that highlight the type’s heritage rather than high-energy manoeuvres.

Origins. Tiger Nine formed in the summer of 2005 to answer a special request for a nine-ship Tiger Moth flypast at the 25th de Havilland Moth Club Rally at Woburn Abbey. Pilots with experience from the earlier Diamond Nine grouping came together under leader Jeff Milsom, undertaking dedicated practices to perfect large close formation handling.

Progression. The successful Woburn flypast prompted development of a full display routine for subsequent seasons. Today the team’s programme blends stately formation flypasts, crossing manoeuvres and flowing breaks—an evocative salute to classic British aviation that continues to delight crowds across the UK and abroad.

• Nine-ship displays by vintage biplanes are rare—Tiger Nine are one of the few teams regularly flying them.
• The team’s home base, White Waltham, is one of Britain’s most historic grass aerodromes.
• Tiger Moths use tandem open cockpits, so formation calls and hand signals are part of the choreography.
• The initial ‘one-off’ Woburn flypast proved so popular that it became the springboard for a full display season.
• Typical routines highlight precision station-keeping more than high-energy aerobatics—perfect for the type.