Escuadrilla XXI Bicolor formed

The Peruvian Air Force (FAP, Fuerza Aérea del Perú) formed a new aerial demonstration team at Chiclayo, Base Aérea Capitán FAP José Abelardo Quiñonez Gonzalez on 20 October 2020.

The flight operates four Zlin 242L propeller trainers and is named Escuadrilla XXI Bicolor. For this Escuadrón Aéreo 611 (once a proud Dassault Mirage 5 squadron) was reinstated operating the Zlins.

The Zlins became available for this new demonstration role after Escuadron Aéreo Primario 511 at Pisco transitioned to the new Zenith CH2000 that is assembled in Peru.

The FAP has had three aerobatic teams before. First the renowned four-ship team Los Cuatro Ases (the Four Wings) from the mid-fifties.

Los Cuatro Ases was equipped with the Hawker Hunter. Later, during the mid-seventies a single Pitts S2 was used for promoting a career in the Air Force to attract more youngsters. After an unfortunate crash, this small solo demonstration team was followed by four Pitts S1S and a S2A. Another crash and budget issues led to its disbandment.

In the eighties, new MB339s were being received by the FAP. It was decided to form a four-ship team again, this time called Los Diablos Rojos (the Red Devils) as part of the Escuadrón de Instrucción Avanzada 513.  This jet team was disbanded too. This rich heritage has finally been continued with the inception of Escuadrilla XXI Bicolor.

Photo credit: Peru MoD