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08/04/2004 - Honda brand takes to the skies

Honda has teamed up with Biggin Hill based aerobatic team and executive charter jet operators Gold Air International to create the UK’s craziest solo aerobatic act which can be seen at over 100 of this summer’s biggest and best outdoor events including; Honda Formula Four Stroke Powerboats, World Superbikes, BTCC, Cowes and major UK air shows.

"We wanted to bring Honda’s "Power of Dreams" to life and what better way than aerobatics, it adds another dimension to fun and excitement reaching millions this summer," said Paul Ormond of Honda.

Flown by 39 year old virtuoso aerobatic pilot Will Curtis, the team perform heart stopping aerobatics using awesome and rarely seen Russian built Sukhoi SU26 aerobatic aircraft. Made of carbon fibre, Kevlar and titanium, the SU26 M2 represents the cutting edge of aerobatic aircraft design with a 460hp Vedeneyev radial engine and massive 2.6 metre diameter propeller.

Will has in excess of 5500 hours flight time under his belt which is encouraging, especially when you see the extreme gyroscopic tumbling manoeuvres he performs, the type that make you very glad that you’re watching from the ground! Will’s exciting 2004 display sequence which includes his well known and popular interactive commentary. During his display, quite incredibly, Will actually talks directly with team Honda commentator Pete McNamara giving audiences an insight into the heavy physical demands of flying an unlimited level of aerobatic display sequence.

The SU26 is ultimately stressed to +/- 23g and has certified limits of +12/- 10g" explains Will, who should evidently be certified himself, "but during my sequence I don’t go over +11 or -6g which is well within the aircraft’s capabilities."

With one "g" equalling the normal force of gravity that means that at maximum positive g during his sequence Will weighs an astonishing 1100kgs as centrifugal force pushes him into his seat. "You get used to g gradually – eventually you don’t notice positive g so much – but negative g, which is wrenching you up out of the seat against the straps, just plain hurts!" says Will.

One thing is for sure – you won’t see anything quite like it anywhere else!