The “Rotores de Portugal” are a helicopter display team from 552 Squadron of the Portuguese Air Force. They are based in Beja Air Base – BA11, which is the same home base for the other Air Force aerobatic team, the “Asas de Portugal”. The team flies three Sud Aviation Alouette III helicopters painted in standard camouflage paint scheme but with red, green and yellow spots and the "Rotores de Portugal" inscription on each side of the fuselage. They also use white smoke generators.
The first “Rotores de Portugal” helicopter display team was formed in April 1976 from 33 Squadron, and they performed for the first time at the Sintra Air Base. This team flew four Alouette III helicopters. Their last demonstration with four Alouette helicopters occurred in October 1980.
In 1982, the team became a part of 552 Squadron, and the team's complement was reduced to two helicopters.
In 1991, the “Rotores de Portugal” were re-located to 111 Squadron flying with three helicopters. Then, inn 2005, they became a unit of 552 Squadron, again operating with three machines.
