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Exceptional deployment at AIRPOWER24

Date:

5. / 7. September 2024

Place:

RedBull Ring in Spielberg (Österreich)
Fliegerhorst Hinterstoisser in Zeltweg (Österreich)

Client:

Air Power

Number of Drones:

200 Drones

About the show

AirPower is the event of the year for every aircraft enthusiast. This time, we were able to share the skies with the latest and fastest aeroplanes and helicopters on two evenings. Before our performances, the numerous visitors were amazed by the impressive air shows before we were able to show off our skills in the air.

Storyboard

  • Silhouettes of aeroplanes/helicopters

  • Different lettering

  • Logos of the organisers

  • Radar animation

Project description

The request

The AirPower organisers asked us about a month before the start of the two events. After a brief consultation and after we were informed of the respective contact persons, we were able to start working on the realisation of the two dates. The particular challenges for this show were the short lead time and the very special flying area at a military airport.

The preparation

Flying two shows within a very short space of time and at two different locations requires not only good technical preparation but also good planning. Together with our contacts, we thought about the content and schedule of the two shows. As the show was a collaboration between Airpower Flugshow, the Austrian Armed Forces and two other companies, we had our hands full coordinating the design, especially given the short time available. Incorporating the wishes of everyone involved into the show in the shortest possible time meant we had to work a few night shifts. But since all parties were very satisfied in the end, the effort was worth it.

Another hurdle was the difficult authorisation situation. Of course, no foreign drones are normally allowed to fly on a military site. However, thanks to tireless communication with and among the various authorities, including the Federal Ministry of Defence, we were able to realise the show as planned.

The realisation

One day before the first show at the RedBull Ring, we travelled there for a test flight. But we weren't the only ones who wanted to do a dress rehearsal for the evening the next day. The pilots of the air show occupied the airspace first. We were therefore able to sweeten the wait for clearance from the military for our take-off with these first impressive displays. We then made the final adjustments and were ready for our performance the next day.

The race track was designated as the take-off and landing area and the space above as our airspace for the show. The renowned guests from business and politics had a very good view through a glass front in their VIP lounge and were delighted.

On the second date, we realised once again that these two locations are among the most impressive places we have ever had the pleasure of performing at. About an hour before show time, we were escorted onto the runway at Hinterstoisser airbase. We positioned our fleet between Eurofighters and aircraft hangars under the highest security level. Because the entire day of the event had been precisely planned, we faced the challenge of setting up in less time than usual. Nevertheless, we managed it together and left the modern fighter jets below us, giving the military and their families a great surprise.

The conclusion

The two days were a complete success for us and the organisers. During the day, the pilots amazed the crowd with their flying skills. In the evening, we showed that friends of loud engines and large machines can also be thrilled with small, quiet aircraft. It was also a great pleasure for us to be able to fly at two such special locations.