{{for|the physical process|Diamond#Formation and growth}} {{refimprove|date=October 2008}} [[File:Red Arrows, fly-by, Radom AirShow 2005, Poland.jpg|thumb|The Red Arrows in diamond formation at Radom AirShow, 2005]] A '''diamond formation''' is a formation of four or more aircraft, soldiers on horseback, players in a team sport, etc., wherein the elements of the group adopt a diamond, or kite, shape.
== Aircraft == [[File:Farnborough.hunters.arp.jpg|thumb|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<!--(Battle of Pakistan,1965 by John Fricker)--> 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.<ref>{{cite book|last=Gabriel|first=Richard A.|title=Soldiers' lives through history: the ancient world|publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group|year=2007|pages=95|isbn=978-0-313-33348-4}}</ref> Thessalian cavalry was especially famous for the formation since it could change direction quickly.
== Sport == === Football === {{main|Formation (association football)#4–4–2_diamond_or_4–1–2–1–2}}
A formation in association football where the four midfield players are positioned in the shape of a diamond.
=== Ice Hockey === A defensive formation used during a penalty kill.
== See also == *Military organization
== References == {{reflist}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Diamond Formation}} Category:Aerial maneuvers Category:Tactical formations Category:Association football terminology Category:Ice hockey terminology