Alpine Electronics has teamed up with Biggin Hill based aerobatic team and charter jet operators Gold Air International to create the UK’s number one solo aerobatic act.

Flown by aerobatic pilot Will Curtis, the team will field the rarely seen Russian built Sukhoi SU26 M2 for the 2002 and 2003 seasons . Made of largely carbon fibre, kevlar and titanium, the companies say the SU 26 represents the cutting edge of aerobatic aircraft design.

Over the past few years Curtis, who has in excess of 5,000 hours flight time under his belt, has become a popular air show act in his much loved Pitts S2C aircraft and says he is looking forward to the challenge of displaying the awesome 400 hp, 260 mph SU26.

“It is incredibly powerful", says the 37-year-old. “I am really enjoying learning the characteristics of a new aerobatic aircraft type and the SU26 certainly takes a lot of mastering – the gyroscopic effects of the propeller are quite staggering – but then that’s what you want for air show work.”

Indeed, extreme gyroscopic tumbling manoeuvres are the bed rock of Curtis’ exciting 2002 display sequence which will include his well known interactive commentary. During his display, Curtis talks directly with Team Alpine commentator Pete McNamara giving audiences an insight into the intense physical demands of

flying an unlimited level aerobatic display sequence.

“The SU26 is ultimately stressed to +/- 23g and has certified limits of +12/-10g,” explains Curtis, “but during my sequence I don’t go over +10 or – 6g which is well within the aircraft’s capabilities.”

That means that at maximum positive g during his sequence Curtis weighs 1,000 kgs as centrifugal g force pushes him into his seat. “You get used to g gradually – eventually one doesn’t notice positive g – but negative g just plain hurts,” he says.

Team Alpine can be seen at most major UK air shows this season and also at major sporting events such as the World Superbikes and Cowes Week.