The Austrian Air Force's helicopter aerobatic team "Kleeblatt" (Cloverleaf) was formed from the crews of the 2nd squadron of 1st Flight Regiment based in Langenlebarn (near Vienna). The team was first created in 1975 for the 70th anniversary of the Austrian Air Force. Although the team was performing demonstrations primarily within the country, it also participated in some international airshows, which eventually brought the team popularity across Europe.
The team was disbanded in 1987 but was it was re-established in 1997 at the same base. "Kleeblatt" then visited Switzerland, Slovakia, Czech Republic and France performing displays. Unfortunately, in December 2001, for unknown reasons, the team was disbanded for a second time.
The team was composed of five pilots who flew four Agusta-Bell 206 Jet Ranger helicopters (which were made under license in Agusta, Italy). The ground staff was composed of 11 technicians who were responsible for the helicopters' good working order. The maintenance team was also drawn from the crew of 2nd squadron of 1st Flight Regiment based in Langenlebarn.
Lasting approximately 15 minutes, the "Keeblatt" demonstration was always performed with the music accompaniment at an altitude between 10 and 150 meters. Tight formations were flown with the distance between helicopter rotor disks at approximately 5 meters.
