A Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker of the Russian Knights display team.

There are only two helicopter display teams in Europe and both are based in the UK. The Army Air Corps' Blue Eagles flies one Lynx and four Gazelles, while the Royal Navy has the Black Cats. A Lynx HAS.3 and HMA.8 are flown by the Black Cats in this impressive scheme.

Display teams are some of the most popular attractions at airshows. This photo illustrates the split second timing and skill needed by pilots who fly the routines.

Patrouille de France Alpha Jets 'flying the flag' at a Royal International Air Tattoo. This team is seen extensively at airshows across Europe and uses eight Alpha jets for its routine.

Russia has three military display teams - the Swifts fly MiG-29s, the Roos’ operate L-39s and the Russian Knights have Su-27s (as illustrated). Most European countries decided long ago to use training aircraft rather than front-line aircraft due to cost considerations, however Russia persists with Fulcrums, and Flankers and to good effect too.

One of the most famous military display teams is the RAF's Red Arrows, which flies Hawk T.1s. The 'Reds' demonstrate the skill of RAF pilots to the public, act as a recruiting aid for the service and are held in such high esteem that they also support British industry interests abroad.

The Swiss and Turkish display teams both use the F-5. The aircraft pictured are from the Patrouille Suisse, which was founded in 1964 and previously flew Hunters.

A number of European military teams use propeller-driven aircraft, which offer excellent manoeuvrability and lower operating costs than jets. Pictured is a Turbo Orlik of the Polish Air Force's Team Orlik.