Aero GP
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Aero GP is a cutting-edge motor sports series involving high-performance aerobatics aeroplanes racing around a tight circuit at near ground level, dropping bombs on targets and competing in real air to air combat heats. The competing pilots are highly trained military and civilian pilots from around the globe. Aero GP is unique in that it is the only international, televised event where aeroplanes race simultaneously.
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[edit] Competitive elements
Three primary disciplines in series decide the annual World Champion Flying Ace:
Air Racing: All racing at the same time, between six and eight aircraft reach speeds of 500 km/h at just 10 metres above the racecourse.
Air Combat: A real air-to-air “dogfight”. Highly trained pilots take to the skies in an attempt to out-manoeuvre, hunt down and shoot each other out of the sky, in the style of military air combat.
Target Bombing: The competing pilots drop bombs from their aircraft at low altitude, aiming at various targets.
[edit] History
The first Aero GP was held in 2005 although the concept dates to 2000. The inaugural event, held in Slovenia, was televised in over 100 countries.
[edit] 2008 series
The series consists of only two confirmed events (Romania and the UK) at present, although a third is scheduled but as-yet unannounced.
[edit] Accidents
During the Malta show in 2006, 2 planes, an Extra 300 and a Yak 55, collided just outside the harbour of Marsamxett. The pilot of the Yak 55, Gabor Varga, died instantly however the Extra 300 pilot suffered minor injusries and was soon released after the crash.
