A brief history of tied-together flying: Tied-together aerobatics was pioneered at the 1930 Hendon Display by the Siskins of 43 (F) Squadron. Three flights of three aircraft, which all had their wingtips attached with lengths of rubber cords, performed a succession of loops with flights in line abreast and completed their display with a Prince of Wales Feathers at the top of a loop, thereby breaking the cords. Following their success at Hendon, three of the squadron's Siskins were sent to air meetings in Belgium and Holland in September to repeat the demonstrations.
Further demonstrations by squadron “Chain Gangs” included 25 (F) Squadron with its Furies in 1933/1934 and 19 (F) Squadron with its Gauntlets in 1936. Two years later, 87 (F) Squadron's Gladiators achieved international success when it represented the RAF at the French National Air Display, Villacoublay, in July 1938 with a display of “tied-together” formation aerobatics.
In May 1931, No.43 (F) Squadron at Tangmere became the first squadron to receive the Hawker Fury and went on to demonstrate the increased performance of their single-seat interceptor fighter at that year's Hendon Display. Together with 1(F) and 25 (F) Squadrons, the squadron gave displays of synchronised and tied-together aerobatics by three-man teams at numerous events, both at home and on the Continent. In 1934, No.1 (F) Squadron toured Canada and further represented the RAF at the Zurich International Air Meeting at Dubendorf in August 1937 Display.
Although demonstrations of linked flying were later carried out by the CFS Prentice team from South Cerney and various Tiger Moth teams from the Reserve Schools during the early post-war period, mention should be made of the Vampires of 16 Squadron at Gutersloh in 1950 who became the first jet team to complete an aerobatic routine with their wingtips attached by rubber bungees. On 28 April 1950, four Vampires flown by Sqn Ldr Lambert, Flt Lt Simpson, Flt Lt Wilson and Fg Off Shaw took off and completed several loops, rolls and stall turns with quadruple 'bungee' cords attached to the wingtips, before declaring the venture to be a success. The decision to perform with the Vampires "tied-together" would be a first for a jet formation team and was demonstrated to great effect in front of a large audience at the second BAFO display, held at Gutersloh on 21 June 1950.
Last edited by Vampiredave; 20th Apr 2015 at 08:42.