Formation flying in the Swedish Air Force had its beginning in the 1930's, when instructors from a flying school formed an aerobatic team with three Focke Wulf Fw 44J Stieglitz trainers.
After the World War II, the tradition of aerobatic teams was recreated with the “Flying Barrel” aerobatic display team.
The “Flying Barrel” were a Swedish Air Force aerobatic display team flying four SAAB J29 fighters. The team was formed and flew displays in the 1950's. The “Flying Barrel” was, in fact, the nickname of the J29 fighter and the team drew its name from this association.
