Red Bull’s Aircraft
Red Bull is a company that is now famed for much more than its potent energy drinks and sponsorship of top racing cars.
The slogan for this company has always been that Red Bull ‘gives you wings’. A trip to Hangar 7 shows that this has taken on a whole new meaning as the company showcases their collection of aircraft, including some impressive alpha jets.
What is Hanger 7?
Red Bull’s Hanger 7 is an impressive collection of cars, planes and other machines that have been purchased over the years by the company’s founder, Dietrich Mateschitz.
Mateschitz did more than simply create a secure storage area for these prized possessions, he instead has a state-of-the-art hanger with glass fronting and great displays where he can proudly show off all of his toys.
The hanger, which is located at Salzburg Airport, is home to a number of planes – as is to be expected – but there are also racing motorcycles and some Formula One (F1) cars. All have the history with the company and bare the company’s colors and branding.
Red Bulls Dornier Alpha Jets
The pride of the fleet has to be the presence of the four Dornier Alpha Jets
Dornier Alpha Jets are quite a sight at any time, but to have four of these fighting machines in one collection is pretty impressive. Some enthusiasts may wonder why Mateschitz has such a collection of these planes.
The jets were built as military trainers, in a collaboration between the French and Germans in the 1960s, and have long been appreciated for their ability and potential in battle.
Although purely a training model in France, these jets did see action in other countries as exports.
Germany retired the plane in 1997 and the four models in Hanger 7 are a mixture of 2 museum pieces bought at auction and 2 airworthy models that were added to the table.
Mateschitz was keen to accept them, the only problem was in getting these alpha jets back in the air.
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Getting Them Airborne
With the aircraft purchased, the next obstacle facing the Red Bull team was to get these planes fit for flight as civilian aircraft.
The two former Jets that were airworthy were granted permission to be adapted for civilian air traffic and it was assumed that all that was left was to give the models the updates and repairs needed to make them airworthy.
The additional problem was that once the jets were finished and able to safely, and legally, fly once again, they needed to train pilots to do so.
These alpha jets had not been used in civil aviation before, so no training guidelines existed to move the project forward.
With the help of former Luftwaffe instructors, training commenced so that the pilots could learn to handle these jets and their capabilities.
The capabilities of these alpha jets are extraordinary, and there was one clear purpose in mind
These fighting machines have long been revered for their aerodynamics, maneuverability, and speed and there is a talk on the official site for Hangar 7 of VIP passengers being able to enjoy the ultimate ride in these speedy, two-seater aerobatic machines.
The jet is able to take people from Salzburg to Vienna in just 27 minutes if needed. This is not the main aim of the fleet, however. Instead, it provides the ultimate aircraft for Red Bull’s Flying Bulls flight demonstration team.
This skilled team of pilots wow crowds across Europe in Red Bull’s array of planes, but these alpha jets have become a must-see addition to the fleet since their maiden flight in 2002.
The speed and agility of the planes mean that they can quickly travel across the continent and put on a show of daring acrobatics for large audiences.
The short take-off distance and quick turns allow for a combination of vertical climbs, rolls and low pass that other planes cannot manage.
Not One, Not Two, Not Three, But Four Jets
Red Bull doesn’t just have a jet – it has four impressive alpha jets that can now be showcased to the world. It is easy to look at Hanger 7 and the range of Red Bull-themed cars and planes and see an overblown museum with an ego.
The difference between this collection and that of other millionaires with their fast cars and toys is that many of the pieces have been put to good use for the enjoyment of the public.
The fleet of Flying Bull’s alpha jets is the best example because not only has the team brought these great planes back from dead into civilian aviation, they are constantly entertaining fans across Europe.
