The popular team receives dozens of requests to perform at air shows across the country and organisers of the Midlands RAF event on June 12 are pleased to be able to welcome them for 2011.

Lieutenant Chris Chambers, last year’s No 2 Black Cat Pilot, has assumed the role as the Lead Pilot for 2011 and he will be joined by Lieutenant Dave Fleming in the No 2 Pilot role and Lieutenant Mike Curd as the team manager.

On assuming the lead role Lieutenant Chambers said: “After such a tremendous year for the display team in 2010 we are all really looking forward to the coming season and meeting all our fans and spectators at the air shows.

“We have been working hard to ensure we put on another dynamic performance for the crowds at the RAF Cosford Air Show.”

The Black Cats will be flying a pair of Westland Lynx HMA8 helicopters from 702 Naval Air Squadron based at RNAS Yeovilton in Somerset. The Squadron Crest depicts a golden Lynx cat with its claws in the air, and the motto “Beware the Claws of the Cat!” proudly stated beneath.

The name “Black Cats” is a combination of the crest and the naval-slang “black-catting” which is used as a form of friendly one-upmanship between sailors.

In 2011 it will be 40 years since the first flight of the Lynx helicopter and it still holds the official Helicopter Speed Record which it set in 1986 at a speed of 216 knots (249 mph).

The aircrew are full-time instructors on 702 NAS and dedicate their spare time to flying the Black Cats displays at air shows.

Visitors to Cosford Air Show will be able to meet the Black Cats team and visit the merchandise trailer. The team are keen to talk to the public about life in the Royal Navy and flying for the Fleet Air Arm.

In 2011 the team is raising money for The Royal Navy Benevolent Trust supporting military families and the Royal Navy Historic Flight who continue to celebrate the heritage of the Fleet Air Arm.

Tickets will be £25.00 on the gate, only cash can be accepted, and are £19.00 in advance, free for children under 16 when they are accompanied by an adult.

Postal bookings should be received on or before June 5, 2011, and all major credit cards are accepted on the 24-hour Cosford Air Show Ticket Line on 0871 230 1083.

Tickets are also available from the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford, Shropshire Star offices in Shrewsbury, Hereford, Newport, Bridgnorth, Oswestry and Ludlow, Tourist Information Centres in Stoke-on-Trent, Stafford and Birmingham and in Mid Counties Co-Operative stores.

Full information on the show can be seen on the air show web site – www.cosfordairshow.co.uk – or is available on the show information line at 0844 561 1897.