The occasion of 100,000 flying hours on the TB 30 Epsilon training plane was celebrated in Cognac airbase on 2 June 1989. For this special occasion, three pilots from the base formed an aerobatic team with three Epsilons for the celebration.
The aircraft were originally painted in black and yellow color scheme, which inspired their name of "Cartouche Dore" (Golden Patron). The team was originally created just for this particular event but the resulting show made a very positive impression on the public. The team was then invited to perform another demonstration in Salon de Province for the graduation ceremony of new pilots. The team was originally "unofficial" and used to perform at only approximately 12 airshows per year.
In 1994, during commemorative ceremonies for the Normandy invasion, the Cartouche Dore aerobatic team performed a display in a new paint scheme - overall white, blue and yellow, which has been retained to 2012.
In 1995, the team received permanent status and officially became a unit in the French Air Force. On 20 September 1996, "Cartouche Dore" made its 100th public demonstration.
In 2012 the Cartouche Dore TB 30 Epsilon aircraft recieved new paint scheme in dark blue,white and gold colors.
