By Marjorie DuruptPosted on
The airshow season is about to begin on May 9th. Just days before its launch, the French Air and Space Army presented near Nancy (Meurthe-et-Moselle), in a preview, the new Rafale Solo Display show. Spectacular aerobatic figures executed by a new pilot who has created his own aerial choreography.
The French Air and Space Army presents a new show with a Rafale
Before the press, on Monday, May 4th, at Air Base 133 in Nancy-Ochey, Captain Alexandre Roeckel, known as “Rocky,” climbed aboard his fighter jet to present his demonstration program. The event took place in Lorraine, as the runway at Air Base 113 in Saint-Dizier is currently under construction.
For about ten minutes, the pilot of the Rafale Solo Display carried out climbs at a speed of 1,200 km/h, tight turns, and numerous impressive rolls in the air, aboard an aircraft freshly painted with blue, white, and red colors, with a military-style camouflage, aesthetic he himself chose.
Meetings abroad
An exceptional and intense aerobatic show that Rocky will be the only one to present at airshows in France and abroad, notably in Egypt, England, and Romania, for two years.
Pilot in the French Air and Space Army since 2008, he has accumulated over 3,200 flight hours and 61 war missions, becoming a demonstrator pilot and ambassador for the institution for the 2026 and 2027 seasons.
Promoting the aircraft’s performance to the public
A childhood dream for this soldier, who always wanted to become a Rafale pilot and now wants to show that this career path is accessible. “My role for these two years will be to participate in airshows, and thus engage with the public and showcase the exceptional qualities of the aircraft. Many think this job is out of reach, when it’s not necessarily the case. From the moment a young person obtains a general or technological baccalaureate, they can apply to become a fighter pilot,” explained Alexandre Roeckel.
He succeeds Captain Jean-Brice Millet, who is now his coach and follows him from the ground during each flight.
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