The Black Arrows in diamond formation at the Farnborough Air Show.
As few as four aircraft can establish the formation and conventionally the largest number is sixteen, in "tight formation": 1, 2, 3, 4, 3, 2, 1. Rarely attempted on jet aircraft, this feat was first achieved by the Pakistan Air Force flying U.S.-made F-86 Sabres in February 1958. It is considered a difficult formation as the aircraft have to fly very close to one another to create the desired effect. The larger the number of aircraft involved, the higher the risk, as compared to other formations.
Military
Diamond formations have been used in warfare, particularly by cavalry, throughout known history.[1] Thessalian cavalry was especially famous for the formation since it could change direction quickly.
