Smoke on

A Smoke system adds visual impact by leaving a trail of smoke behind the aircraft.

Although not normally used on the ground, Jon demonstrates the smoke system on Bord LN as he taxis past the museum.


Smoke is generated on props and jets by injecting a light weight oil, "smoke oil", into the exhaust. The oil is stored in a separate tank and an electric pump is used to spray the oil into the exhaust stream. Viewers generally enjoy the smoke and it can be especially effective when used in certain maneuvers such as the "Missing Man" formation. It is more difficult to generate a smoke trail from a helicopter because the big fans on top and at the tail tend to blow the smoke in different directions.