Heroes of the Sky
A squadron of World War I fighters came across the ditch for a sortie into Avalon for 2015, representing both sides of the aerial battles. They were supported by local aircraft to present a step back in time to the first years of military aviation. The bulk of the WWI aircraft visitors seen at Avalon 2015 come from New Zealand’s The Vintage Aviator Ltd (TVAL), a company which builds and operates astoundingly accurate reproductions of these aircraft, often with original engines installed or in some cases, newly built engines from a century ago. They also fly a number of replicas they have acquired from around the world. The aircraft represent some of the most famous aircraft of WWI: a French Nieuport XI; five British aircraft (SE.5A, Bristol F.2B Fighter, Sopwith Camel, Airco DH.5 and RE.8); and four German (Fokker Dr.1 Triplane, Fokker D.VII, Pfalz D.III and Fokker D.VIII).
Airco DH.5
The Airco DH.5 was British First World War singleseat biplane fighter aircraft. It was designed and manufactured at British aviation company Airco. Development was led by the aircraft designer Geoffrey de Havilland as a replacement for the obsolete Airco DH.2.
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Australian Flying Corps service: No. 2 Squadron AFC (aka. No. 68 Squadron RFC) in France. No. 6 (Training) Squadron AFC. No. 7 (Training) Squadron AFC in the UK.
Bristol F.2B Fighter
The Bristol F.2 Fighter was a British two-seat biplane fighter and reconnaissance aircraft of the First World War developed by Frank Barnwell at the Bristol Aeroplane Company. It is often simply called the Bristol Fighter, other popular names include the “Brisfit” or “Biff”. Despite a disastrous start to its career, the definitive F.2B version proved to be an agile aircraft that was able to hold its own against opposing single-seat fighters; its robust design ensured that it remained in military service into the 1930s. Some surplus aircraft were registered for civilian use, and dedicated civilian versions proved popular. Australian Flying Corps service: No. 1 Squadron in Palestine. No. 6 (Training) Squadron in the UK.
Fokker D.VII
The Fokker D.VII was a German World War I fighter aircraft designed by Reinhold Platz of the Fokker-Flugzeugwerke. Germany produced around 3,300 D.VII aircraft in the second half of 1918. In service with the Luftstreitkräfte, the D.VII quickly proved itself to be a formidable aircraft. The Armistice ending the war specifically required, as the fourth clause of the "Clauses Relating to the Western Front”, that Germany was required to surrender all D.VIIs to the Allies. Surviving aircraft saw much service with many countries in the years after World War I.
Fokker D.VIII
The Fokker E.V was a German parasolmonoplane fighter aircraft designed by Reinhold Platz and built by FokkerFlugzeugwerke. The E.V was the last Fokker design to become operational with the Luftstreitkräfte, entering service in the last months of World War I. After several fatal accidents due to wing failures, the aircraft was modified and redesignated Fokker D.VIII. Dubbed the Flying Razor by Allied pilots, the D.VIII had the distinction of scoring the last aerial victory of the war.
Fokker Dr.I
The Fokker Dr.I (Dreidecker, “triplane” in German), often known simply as the Fokker Triplane, was a World War I fighter aircraft built by Fokker-Flugzeugwerke. The Dr.I saw widespread service in the spring of 1918. It became famous as the aircraft in which Manfred von Richthofen gained his last 19 victories, and in which he was killed on 21 April 1918.
Nieuport 11
The Nieuport 11 (or Nieuport XI C.1 in contemporary sources), nicknamed the Bébé, was a French World War I single seat sesquiplane fighter aircraft, designed by Gustave Delage. It was the primary aircraft that ended the Fokker Scourge in 1916. The type saw service with several of France’s allies, and gave rise to the series of “vee-strut” Nieuport fighters that remained in service (latterly as trainers) into the 1920s.
Pfalz D.III
The Pfalz D.III was a fighter aircraft used by the Luftstreitkräfte (Imperial German Air Service) during the First World War. The D.III was the first major original design from Pfalz Flugzeugwerke. Though generally considered inferior to contemporary Albatros and Fokker fighters, the D.III was widely used by the Jagdstaffeln from late 1917 to mid-1918. It continued to serve as a training aircraft until the end of the war.
Royal Aircraft Factory R.E.8
The Royal Aircraft Factory R.E.8 was a British two-seat biplane reconnaissance and bomber aircraft of the First World War designed and produced at the Royal Aircraft Factory. It was also built under contract by Austin Motors, Daimler, Standard Motors, Siddeley-Deasy and the Coventry Ordnance Works. Australian Flying Corps service: No. 1 Squadron AFC in Egypt and Palestine. No. 3 Squadron AFC in France. No. 7 (Training) Squadron in UK.
Sopwith Camel
The Sopwith Camel was a British First World War single-seat biplane fighter aircraft that was introduced on the Western Front in 1917. It was developed by the Sopwith Aviation Company as a successor to the Sopwith Pup and became one of the best known fighter aircraft of the Great War. Australian Flying Corps service: No. 4 Squadron AFC in France. No. 5 Squadron AFC in the UK. No. 6 (Training) Squadron AFC in the UK. No. 8 (Training) Squadron AFC in the UK.
Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5
The Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5 was a British biplane fighter aircraft of the First World War. It was developed at the Royal Aircraft Factory by a team consisting of Henry Folland, John Kenworthy and Major Frank Goodden. It was one of the fastest aircraft of the war, while being both stable and relatively maneuverable. According to aviation author Robert Jackson, the S.E.5 was: “the nimble fighter that has since been described as the ‘Spitfire of World War One’”. Australian Flying Corps service: No. 2 Squadron AFC in France. No. 5 (Training) Sqn AFC in the UK. No. 6 (Training) Sqn AFC – 1 only.
CAC CA-13 Boomerang The CAC Boomerang was a fighter aircraft designed and manufactured in Australia by the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation between 1942 and 1945. Approved for production shortly following the Empire of Japan’s entry into the Second World War, the Boomerang was rapidly designed as to meet the urgent demands for fighter aircraft to equip the Royal Australian Air Force. The type holds the distinction of being the first combat aircraft to be both designed and constructed in Australia.
Different variants of the Boomerang were manufactured under a series of corresponding production contract numbers CA-12, CA-13, CA-14 and CA-19, the aircraft supplied
under each subsequent contract would incorporate various modifications, typically aimed at improving the aircraft’s performance. The effectiveness of the Boomerang has been contested, the aircraft proving to be slower than contemporary fighter aircraft and thus rarely engaging in aerial combat. During early wartime operations, the Boomerang was mainly dispatched to equip home-based squadrons, freeing up other fighters for use elsewhere overseas. In later service, the Boomerang would commonly be used for ground support duties, cooperating with Allied army units, in addition to secondary roles such as aerial reconnaissance and air sea rescue.
Curtiss P-40N Kittyhawk The Curtiss P-40 Warhawk is an American single-engined, single-seat, all-metal fighter and ground-attack aircraft that first flew in 1938. The P-40 design was a modification of the previous Curtiss P-36 Hawk which reduced development time and enabled a rapid entry into production and operational service. The Warhawk was used by most Allied powers during World War II, and remained in frontline service until the end of the war. It was the third most-produced American fighter, after the P-51 and P-47; by November 1944, when production of the P-40 ceased, 13,738 had been built, all at Curtiss-Wright Corporation’s main production facilities at Buffalo, New York.
The “Warhawk” was the name used by the United States Army Air Corps and after June 1941, the USAAF adopted it’s name for all models, making it the official name for all P-40s. The British Commonwealth and Soviet air forces used the name Tomahawk for models equivalent to the P-40B and P-40C, and the name Kittyhawk for models equivalent to the P-40D and all later variants. The Kittyhawk was the main fighter used by the RAAF in World War II, in greater numbers than the Spitfire. Two RAAF squadrons serving with the Desert Air Force, No. 3 and No. 450 Squadrons, were the first Australian units to be assigned P-40s. Other RAAF pilots served with RAF or SAAF P-40 squadrons in the theater.
CAC CA-18 Mustang The North American Aviation P-51 Mustang is an American long-range, single-seat fighter and fighter-bomber used during World War II and the Korean War, among other conflicts. The Mustang was originally designed to use the Allison V-1710 engine, which, in its earlier variants, had limited high-altitude performance. It was first flown operationally by the RAF as a tactical-reconnaissance aircraft and fighter-bomber (Mustang Mk I). The replacement of the Allison with a Rolls-Royce Merlin resulted in the P-51B/C (Mustang Mk III) model and transformed the Mustang’s performance at altitudes above 15,000 ft, allowing the aircraft to compete with the Luftwaffe’s fighters. The definitive version, the P-51D, was powered by the Packard V-1650-7, a license-built version of the Rolls-Royce Merlin 66 two-stage two-speed supercharged engine and was armed with six .50 caliber (12.7 mm) M2/AN Browning machine guns.
In November 1944 the Australian government decided to order Australian-built Mustangs, to replace its Curtiss Kittyhawks and CAC Boomerangs in the South West Pacific theatre. The Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation (CAC) factory at Fishermans Bend, Melbourne was the only non-U.S. production line for the P-51. In 1944, 100 P-51Ds were shipped from the U.S. in kit form to inaugurate production. From February 1945, CAC assembled 80 of these under the designation CA-17 Mustang Mark 20, with the first Australian-built aircraft flying on the 29 April 1945 and the first aircraft was handed over to the RAAF on 31 May 1945. The remaining 20 were kept unassembled as spare parts. In addition, 84 P-51Ks were also shipped directly to the RAAF from the USA.
Supermarine Spitfire Mk VIII The Supermarine Spitfire is a British single-seat fighter aircraft used by the Royal Air Force and other Allied countries before, during and after World War II. Many variants of the Spitfire were built, using several wing configurations, and it was produced in greater numbers than any other British aircraft. It was also the only British fighter produced continuously throughout the war. The Spitfire continues to be popular among enthusiasts; about 54 remain airworthy, and many more are static exhibits in aviation museums throughout the world. The Spitfire was designed as a short-range, high-performance interceptor aircraft by R. J. Mitchell, chief designer at Supermarine Aviation Works, which operated as a subsidiary of Vickers-Armstrong from 1928. Mitchell pushed the Spitfire’s distinctive elliptical wing designed by Beverley Shenstone to have the thinnest possible cross-
section, helping give the aircraft a higher top speed than several contemporary fighters, including the Hawker Hurricane. Mitchell continued to refine the design until his death in 1937, whereupon his colleague Joseph Smith took over as chief designer, overseeing the Spitfire’s development through its multitude of variants. The Supermarine Spitfire in the Pacific is probably best known due to the shark’s teeth 457 Squadron RAAF painted on their aircraft. The Spitfire came to Australia due to a mix of British geo-politics and Australian requests for help. The Spitfire was not a good Pacific War aircraft. It had short range, logistics had to travel across the world from Britain to Australia and it was fragile in comparison to the American aircraft of the same era. However, it is a beautiful aircraft aesthetically and was loved by the pilots that flew it.
CAC CA-27 Sabre The CAC Sabre, sometimes known as the Avon Sabre or CA-27, is an Australian variant of the North American Aviation F-86F Sabre fighter aircraft. The F-86F was redesigned and built by the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation (CAC). Equipping five RAAF squadrons, the type saw action in the Malayan Emergency in the late 1950s, and was employed for air defence in Malaysia and Thailand in the 1960s. Ex-RAAF models also saw service with the Royal Malaysian Air Force and the Indonesian Air Force.
Gloster Meteor F.8 The Gloster Meteor was the first British jet fighter and the Allies’ first operational jet aircraft during the Second World War. Meteors of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) provided a significant contribution in the Korean War. The RAAF acquired 113 Meteors between 1946 and 1952, 94 of which were the F.8 variant. The RAAF began introducing the domestically-produced CAC Sabre in 1955, which progressively relegated the older Meteor to training and secondary duties.
McDonnell Douglas F/A-18A Hornet The McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet is a twin-engine, supersonic, all-weather, carriercapable, multirole combat jet, designed as both a fighter and attack aircraft (hence the F/A designation). Designed by McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) and Northrop, the F/A-18 was derived from the latter’s YF-17 in the 1970s for use by the United States Navy and Marine Corps. The F/A-18 has a top speed of Mach 1.8 (1,034 knots or 1,915 km/h at 40,000 ft or 12,200 m). It can carry a wide variety of bombs & missiles, including air-to-air and air-to-ground, supplemented by the 20-mm M61 Vulcan cannon. It is powered by two General Electric F404 turbofan engines, which give the aircraft a high thrust-to-weight ratio. The F/A-18 has excellent aerodynamic characteristics, primarily attributed to its leading-edge extensions.
The Royal Australian Air Force purchased 57 F/A-18A fighters and 18 F/A-18B two-seat trainers to replace its Dassault Mirage IIIOs. The first two aircraft were produced in the US, with the remainder assembled in Australia at Government Aircraft Factories. F/A18 deliveries to the RAAF began on 29 October 1984, and continued until May 1990. In 2001, Australia deployed four aircraft to Diego Garcia, in an air-defense role, during coalition operations against the Taliban in Afghanistan. In 2003, 75 Squadron deployed 14 F/A-18s to Qatar as part of Operation Falconer and these aircraft saw action during the invasion of Iraq. Australia had 71 Hornets in service in 2006, after four were lost to crashes.
Consolidated PBY Catalina The Consolidated PBY Catalina, also known as the Canso in Canadian service, is an American flying boat, and later an amphibious aircraft of the 1930s and 1940s produced by Consolidated Aircraft. It was one of the most widely used seaplanes of World War II. Catalinas served with every branch of the United States Armed Forces and in the air forces and navies of many other nations.
During World War II, PBYs were used in anti-submarine warfare, patrol bombing, convoy escort, search and rescue missions (especially air-sea rescue), and cargo transport. The PBY was the most numerous aircraft of its kind and the last active military PBYs were not retired from service until the 1980s. As of 2014, nearly 80 years after its first flight, the aircraft continues to fly as a waterbomber (or airtanker) in aerial firefighting operations all over the world.
Lockheed P2V-7 Neptune
The Lockheed P-2 Neptune (designated P2V by the United States Navy prior to September 1962) was a maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) aircraft. It was developed for the US Navy by Lockheed to replace the Lockheed PV-1 Ventura and PV-2 Harpoon, and was replaced in turn by the Lockheed P-3 Orion. Designed as a land-based aircraft, the Neptune never made a carrier landing, but a small number were converted and deployed as carrier-launched, stop-gap nuclear bombers that would have to land on shore or ditch. The type was successful in export, and saw service with several armed forces.
Douglas C-47 Dakota The Douglas C-47 Dakota is a military transport aircraft developed from the civilian Douglas DC-3 airliner. It was used extensively by the Allies during World War II and remained in front-line service with various military operators for many years.
The C-47 differed from the civilian DC-3 in numerous modifications, including being fitted with a cargo door, hoist attachment, and strengthened floor, along with a shortened tail cone for glider-towing shackles, and an astrodome in the cabin roof.
During World War II, the armed forces of many countries used the C-47 and modified DC-3s for the transport of troops, cargo, and wounded. The U.S. naval designation was R4D. More than 10,000 aircraft were produced in Long Beach and Santa Monica, California and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Between March 1943 and August 1945, the Oklahoma City plant produced 5,354 C-47s.
Lockheed Hudson The Lockheed Hudson was an American-built light bomber and coastal reconnaissance aircraft built initially for the Royal Air Force shortly before the outbreak of the Second World War and primarily operated by the RAF thereafter. The Hudson served the Allies faithfully during the war on most fronts and with little fanfare. The air forces of Britain, Canada, the United States, New Zealand, the Netherlands, China, Brazil and Australia all operated Hudson’s.
Derived from the Lockheed Model 14 Super Electra 12 passenger transport, the Model 14L/214/414 Hudson first flew in December 1938 and by the time production ended in mid 1943, a total of 2,941 examples had been built, most of which served the Royal Air Force and Commonwealth countries. The Royal Australian Air Force received 247 Hudson’s between January 1940 and May 1942 in several versions.
de Havilland DHC-4 Caribou
The de Havilland Canada DHC-4 Caribou (designated by the United States military as the CV-2 and later C-7 Caribou) is a Canadian-designed and produced specialized cargo aircraft with short takeoff and landing (STOL) capability. The Caribou was first flown in 1958 and although mainly retired from military operations, is still in use in small numbers as a rugged “bush� aircraft.
RAAF Heritage Trainers The CAC CA-25 Winjeel is an Australian-designed and manufactured three-seat training aircraft. Entering service with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) in 1955 as a basic to advanced trainer, it served in this role until 1975. Later, it was used in the Forward Air Control (FAC) role for target marking until 1994, after which it was retired from RAAF service.
The Pacific Aerospace Corporation CT/4 Airtrainer series is an all-metal-construction, single-engine, two-place with side-by-side seating, fully aerobatic, piston-engined, basic training aircraft manufactured in Hamilton, New Zealand
Extra Flugzeugbau EA300 The Extra Flugzeugbau EA300 is a two-seat aerobatic monoplane capable of Unlimited category competition. It was designed in 1987 by Walter Extra, a German aerobatic pilot, and built by Extra Flugzeugbau.
The first two-seat Extra 300 made its maiden flight on 6 May 1988, with German type certification following on 16 May 1990. The single-seat Extra 300S flew on 4 March 1992. The Extra 300 is stressed for Âą10 G with one person on board and Âą8 G with two. Some Extra 300s are certificated in the Experimental Category in the U.S., while others are certificated in the Aerobatic category.
GippsAero GA10 Airvan The GA10 Airvan is a single engine, ten-seater passenger aircraft designed and manufactured by Australia-based GippsAero, a manufacturing division of Indian aerospace company Mahindra Aerospace.
The aircraft is mainly intended for general aviation purpose, and can also be used in passenger and freight transport, ambulance/medical evacuation (MEDEVAC), air survey and surveillance missions. It will be built at GippsAero’s Latrobe factory located in Victoria, Australia.
The GA10 Airvan is powered by a single 250- B17F/2 turboprop engine manufactured by Rolls Royce. The engine has a takeoff power of 450shp (335kW) and is coupled to a Hartzell HC-D3F-7 propeller. The aircraft can store 580 litres of JET A-1 fuel required for the engine in its tank.
Wolf Pitts Pro The Wolf Pitts Pro is the highest performing aerobatic biplane in the world, made using the latest design concepts utilising the latest in materials, it was designed and hand built by Steve Wolf from the United States. Powered by a 400hp Lycoming engine and a empty weight of 450kg the Wolf Pitts is capable of a cruise speed of 185kts (340 km/hr) and a top speed of 224kts (414 km/hr).
Paul has been performing at airshows since 2005, and has won numerous aerobatic competitions during that time. In 2008 Paul was crowned the Australian Advanced Aerobatic Champion. In 2009 Paul was crowned the Australian Unlimited Aerobatic Champion, receiving the Phillips Cup. In 2011 and 2012 Paul won Unlimited in both the Queensland and Victorian State Championships.
Super Salto Jet Sailplane Bob Carlton’s Super Salto has been retrofitted with a military-grade 250 pound thrust jet engine from PBS in the Czech Republic. Powered by this new jet engine, the highly modified Super Salto jet sailplane self-launches and performs both a classic sailplane aerial ballet and screamin’ low-level jet aerobatics.
The Immortals The Immortals is made up of three aerobatic pilots of the highest standing: Lithuanian legend Jurgis Kairys, one of the world’s leading female aerobatic pilots Melissa Pemberton and American Skip Stewart.
His teammate Skip Stewart will fly an aircraft dubbed Prometheus, part Pitts Special, part Stewart’s own invention. He has flown more than 10,000 hours giving exhibitions around the world.
Kairys is among the masters of the international aerobatic circuit and is a winner of the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) World Grand Prix. He pioneered many of the spectacular manoeuvres upon which modern aerobatics is judged.
Rounding out the trio is Melissa Pemberton, one of the world’s leading female aerobatic performers and a highly accomplished flier in her own right. She is also a free flying skydiver with more than 300 base jumps to her credit and provides a positive example to young people, women in particular. She is also married to Australian wingsuit flyer Rex Pemberton.
Extra 330SC Mark Jefferies, the ten time UK aerobatic champion is the lead pilot for a breathtaking routine flown by the two-man Awesome Global Stars aerobatic team. Joining Mark Jefferies is three times British Unlimited Champion, Tom Cassells, also flying an Extra 330.
The Extra 330SC is a Lycoming AEIO-580-powered single-seat aircraft with improved roll rate and easier roll stops, designed specifically for Unlimited category competition. It is actually the only single-seater aerobatic aircraft built by Extra. The Extra 300 is stressed for Âą10 G with one person on board.
Schweizer S300C 'Otto' OTTO is a Schweizer 300C Helicopter and is the Mickey Mouse of the air show industry. The OTTO Pilot is Roger Buis, a pilot since 1980 that can literally fly almost every type of aircraft known to man. He has acquired over 18,000 total flight hours and was nominated for Army Aviator of the Year in Helicopters. OTTO can also blow a bubble from bubble gum, play with a yo-yo and even race barrels like a horse.
Coulson Aviation EC-130Q Hercules The C-130 Hercules is a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft designed and built by Lockheed Martin, and has been our leading attacker in firefighting theatres all around the world. It’s highly effective in aerial firefighting due to its ability to employ makeshift runways for takeoffs and landings.
The C-130 Hercules, equipped with a Coulson RADS-XXL 4,000 US Gallon roll-on roll-off tanking system, is one of the world’s most powerful aerial firefighting aircraft due to its range, versatility, and suppression ability per drop.
Avro RJ85 Large Air Tanker The British Aerospace 146 (also BAe 146) is a short-haul airliner and a regional airliner that was manufactured in the United Kingdom by British Aerospace, later part of BAE Systems. Firefighting air tanker versions of both the BAe 146 and the Avro RJ85 have been manufactured via the conversion of aircraft previously operated by airlines. Currently three RJ’s have been built, carrying the North American tail numbers 160, 161
and 162 - and each of these have been engaged fire fighting with great success during the North American summer of 2014. For the Australia Summer of 2014/2015, Field Air is very proud to work with Conair to bring RJ Tail Number 162 to Australia. The RJ85 has a payload of up to 12,253 litres coupled with a dispatch speed of up to 425 knots.
RSAF Black Knights The “Black Knights” aerobatic display team are part of the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF). The team flies six F-16C fighters and consists of 6 pilots and 25 groundcrew technicians. All six F-16 fighters are equipped with white smoke generators. The team’s home base is Tengah Air Base.
Every pilot candidate for the team must have 1,000 flying hours on jet fighters. The “Black Knights” consequently don’t usually have to practice a lot to change its crew every few years, because they don’t perform in a lot events like other teams during a typical season.
Instead of the team’s name being mistaken for a “warrior knight”, the name of the team was actually inspired from the chess piece known as the “Knight” which typically features a horse’s head. As can be seen a painted “Black Knight” chess piece is displayed on the vertical stabilizer.
The RSAF does not have a dedicated aerobatics squadron hence this team consists of F-16Cs and pilots from various F-16 squadrons. Black Knights 5 and 6 performed at the Avalon Airshow 2015, while 1 was on static display.
PAC F-16C Viper The Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon is a single-engine multirole fighter aircraft originally developed by General Dynamics for the USAF. Designed as an air superiority day fighter, it evolved into a successful all-weather multirole aircraft.
static stability/fly-by-wire flight control system helps to make it a nimble aircraft. The F-16 has an internal M61 Vulcan cannon and 11 locations for mounting weapons and other mission equipment.
The Fighting Falcon has key features including a frameless bubble canopy for better visibility, side-mounted control stick to ease control while maneuvering, a seat reclined 30 degrees to reduce the effect of g-forces on the pilot, and the first use of a relaxed
The F-16’s official name is “Fighting Falcon”, but “Viper” is commonly used by its pilots, due to a perceived resemblance to a viper snake as well as the Battlestar Galactica Colonial Viper starfighter.
Boeing B-52 Stratofortress The Boeing B-52 Stratofortress is an American long-range, subsonic, jet-powered strategic bomber. The B-52 was designed and built by Boeing, which has continued to provide support and upgrades. It has been operated by the United States Air Force (USAF) since the 1950s. The bomber is capable of carrying up to 70,000 pounds (32,000 kg) of weapons, and has a typical combat range of more than 8,800 miles (14,080 km) without aerial refueling.
Beginning with the successful contract bid in June 1946, the B-52 design evolved from a straight wing aircraft powered by six turboprop engines to the final prototype YB-52 with eight turbojet engines and swept wings. The B-52 took its maiden flight in April 1952. Built to carry nuclear weapons for Cold War-era deterrence missions, the B-52 Stratofortress replaced the Convair B-36. A veteran of several wars, the B-52 has dropped only conventional munitions in combat. The B-52’s official name Stratofortress is rarely used; informally, the aircraft has become commonly referred to as the BUFF (Big Ugly Fat F*@%r).
The B-52 has been in active service with the USAF since 1955. As of June 2019, 58 are in active service, 18 in reserve, and approximately 12 more aircraft in long term storage. The bombers flew under the Strategic Air Command (SAC) until it was disestablished in 1992 and its aircraft absorbed into the Air Combat Command (ACC); in 2010, all B-52 Stratofortresses were transferred from the ACC to the newly created Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC). Superior performance at high subsonic speeds and relatively low operating costs have kept them in service despite the advent of later, more advanced strategic bombers, including the Mach 2+ B-58 Hustler, the canceled Mach 3 B-70 Valkyrie, the variable-geometry B-1 Lancer, and the stealth B-2 Spirit. The B-52 completed sixty years of continuous service with its original operator in 2015. After being upgraded between 2013 and 2015, the last airframes are expected to serve into the 2050s.
Boeing C-17A Globemaster III The Boeing C-17 Globemaster III is a large military transport aircraft. It was developed for the United States Air Force (USAF) from the 1980s to the early 1990s by McDonnell Douglas. The C-17 carries forward the name of two previous piston-engined military cargo aircraft, the Douglas C-74 Globemaster and the Douglas C-124 Globemaster II. The C-17 commonly performs tactical and strategic airlift missions, transporting troops and cargo throughout the world; additional roles include medical evacuation and airdrop duties. It was designed to replace the Lockheed C-141 Starlifter, and also fulfill some of the duties of the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy, freeing the C-5 fleet for outsize cargo.
Boeing, which merged with McDonnell Douglas in 1997, continued to manufacture C-17s for export customers following the end of deliveries to the U.S. Air Force. Aside from the United States, the C-17 is in service with the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, NATO Heavy Airlift Wing, India, and Kuwait. The final C-17 was completed at the Long Beach, California plant and flown on 29 November 2015.
Lockheed C-130J Hercules The Lockheed C-130 Hercules is a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft designed and built originally by Lockheed (now Lockheed Martin). Capable of using unprepared runways for takeoffs and landings, the C-130 was originally designed as a troop, medevac, and cargo transport aircraft. The versatile airframe has found uses in a variety of other roles, including as a gunship (AC-130), for airborne assault, search and rescue, scientific research support, weather reconnaissance, aerial refueling, maritime patrol, and aerial firefighting. It is now the main tactical airlifter for many military forces worldwide. More than 40 variants of the Hercules, including a civilian one marketed as the Lockheed L-100, operate in more than 60 nations.
The C-130 entered service with the U.S. in the 1950s, followed by Australia and many other nations. During its years of service, the Hercules family has participated in numerous military, civilian and humanitarian aid operations. In 2007, the C-130 became the fifth aircraft to mark 50 years of continuous service with its original primary customer, which is the United States Air Force for the C-130. The C-130 Hercules is the longest continuously produced military aircraft at over 60 years, with the updated Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules currently being produced.
Airbus KC-30A MRTT The KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) is a heavily modified Airbus A330 airliner, and enables Air Force to conduct air-to-air refueling and provide strategic air lift. It features advanced communication and navigation systems, and an electronic warfare self-protection system for shielding against threats from surface-to-air missiles.
The Air Force’s six KC-30A aircraft are based at RAAF Base Amberley, operated by No. 33 Squadron. In 2015, Government announced the purchase of a sixth and seventh KC30A aircraft, and under the 2016 Defence White Paper, an eighth and ninth aircraft are under consideration. Since September 2014, a single KC-30A has been deployed to the Middle East Region for Operation OKRA. The KC-30A MRTT is fitted with two forms of air-to-air refueling systems: an Advanced Refueling Boom System mounted on the tail of the aircraft; and a pair of all-electric
refueling pods under each wing. These systems are controlled by an Air Refueling Operator in the cockpit, who can view refueling on 2D and 3D screens. The KC-30A can carry a fuel load of more than 100 tonnes, and transfer part of that load to compatible aircraft, including: F/A-18A/B Hornets, F/A-18F Super Hornets, E/A18G Growlers, E-7A Wedgetails; C-17A Globemaster III and other KC-30As. It is also compatible with refueling P-8A Poseidon surveillance aircraft, F-35A Lightning II, and foreign aircraft such as the F-16C Fighting Falcon and B-1B Lancer. The KC-30A MRTT can remain 1800 km from its home base, with 50 tonnes of fuel available to offload for up to four hours. In its transport role, the KC-30A is capable of carrying 270 passengers. It comes with under-floor cargo compartments which can accommodate 34,000 kilograms of military and civilian cargo pallets and containers.
Pilatus PC-9/A The Pilatus PC-9 is a single-engine, low-wing tandem-seat turboprop training aircraft manufactured by Pilatus Aircraft of Switzerland. Designed as a more powerful evolution of the Pilatus PC-7, the PC-9’s first flight was made in May 1984 after which certification was achieved in September 1985. After this, the first production orders for the type were
received from the Royal Saudi Air Force, with deliveries commencing in 1985. Since then, more than 250 airframes have been produced across five different variants and the type is employed by a number of military and civilian operators around the world, including the Swiss Air Force, the Royal Australian Air Force, and the Royal Thai Air Force.
Boeing E-7A Wedgetail The E-7A Wedgetail provides Australia with one of the most advanced air battlespace management capabilities in the world. The E-7A Wedgetail is based on a Boeing 737700, with the addition of an advanced Multi-Role Electronically Scanned Array (MESA) radar and 10 mission crew consoles, to create one of the most advanced pieces of technology for the Australian Defence Force.
The E-7A Wedgetail has also been selected by the Turkish Air Force (under “Project Peace Eagle”, ) and the Republic of Korea Air Force (“Project Peace Eye”, ), and has been proposed to Italy and the United Arab Emirates.
Lockheed P-3 Orion The Lockheed P-3 Orion is a four-engine turboprop anti-submarine and maritime surveillance aircraft developed for the United States Navy and introduced in the 1960s. Lockheed based it on the L-188 Electra commercial airliner.[4] The aircraft is easily distinguished from the Electra by its distinctive tail stinger or "MAD Boom�, used for the magnetic detection of submarines.
Over the years, the aircraft has seen numerous design developments, most notably in its electronics packages. Numerous navies and air forces around the world continue to use the P-3 Orion, primarily for maritime patrol, reconnaissance, anti-surface warfare and anti-submarine warfare.[1] A total of 757 P-3s have been built, and in 2012, it joined the handful of military aircraft including the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress, Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker, Lockheed C-130 Hercules and the Lockheed U-2 that have seen over
50 years of continuous use by the United States military. The Boeing P-8 Poseidon will eventually replace the U.S. Navy's remaining P-3C aircraft. The Lockheed P-2 Neptune (designated P2V by the United States Navy prior to September 1962) was a maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) aircraft. It was developed for the US Navy by Lockheed to replace the Lockheed PV-1 Ventura and PV-2 Harpoon, and was replaced in turn by the Lockheed P-3 Orion. Designed as a land-based aircraft, the Neptune never made a carrier landing, but a small number were converted and deployed as carrier-launched, stop-gap nuclear bombers that would have to land on shore or ditch. The type was successful in export, and saw service with several armed forces.
BAE Systems Hawk 127 The BAE Systems Hawk is a British single-engine, jet-powered advanced trainer aircraft. It was first flown at Dunsfold, Surrey, in 1974 as the Hawker Siddeley Hawk, and subsequently produced by its successor companies, British Aerospace and BAE Systems, respectively. It has been used in a training capacity and as a low-cost combat aircraft. The Royal Australian Air Force ordered 33 Hawk 127 Lead-in Fighters (LIFs) in June 1997, 12 of which were produced in the UK and 21 in Australia. This variant is also
powered by the Adour 871. The Hawk 127 is operated by the RAAF’s No. 76 Squadron and No. 79 Squadron which are based at RAAF Base Williamtown and RAAF Base Pearce respectively. Work to upgrade the RAAF’s Hawks to a standard similar to the Hawk 128 standard began in 2014, and it is planned that the two squadrons will begin operations with these aircraft in 2017.
Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet The Boeing F/A-18E and F/A-18F Super Hornet are twin-engine, carrier-capable, multirole fighter aircraft variants based on the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet. The F/A-18E single-seat and F/A-18F tandem-seat variants are larger and more advanced derivatives of the F/A-18C and D Hornet.
The Super Hornet has an internal 20 mm M61 rotary cannon and can carry air-to-air missiles and air-to-surface weapons. Additional fuel can be carried in up to five external fuel tanks and the aircraft can be configured as an airborne tanker by adding an external air refueling system.
Designed and initially produced by McDonnell Douglas, the Super Hornet first flew in 1995. Low-rate production began in early 1997 with full-rate production starting in September 1997, after the merger of McDonnell Douglas and Boeing the previous month. The Super Hornet entered fleet service with the United States Navy in 1999, replacing the Grumman F-14 Tomcat, which was retired in 2006; the Super Hornet serves alongside the original Hornet. The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), which has operated the F/A-18A as its main fighter since 1984, ordered the F/A-18F in 2007 to replace its aging General Dynamics F-111C fleet. RAAF Super Hornets entered service in December 2010.
Eurocopter Tiger ARH The Eurocopter Tiger is a four-bladed, twin-engined attack helicopter which first entered service in 2003. It is manufactured by Eurocopter (now Airbus Helicopters), the successor company to Aérospatiale’s and DASA’s respective helicopter divisions, which designate it as the EC665. The Tiger has the distinction of being the first all-composite helicopter developed in Europe; even the earliest models also incorporate other advanced features such as a glass cockpit, stealth technology, and high agility to increase its survivability. Improved variants have since entered service, outfitted with more powerful engines and compatible with a wider range of weapons. Since the type’s introduction to service, Tigers have been used in combat in Afghanistan, Libya, and Mali.
The Tiger ARH (Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter) is the version ordered by the Australian Army to replace its OH-58 Kiowas and UH-1 Iroquois-based ‘Bushranger’ gunships. The Tiger ARH is a modified and upgraded version of the Tiger HAP with upgraded MTR390 engines as well as a laser designator incorporated in the Strix sight for the firing of Hellfire II air-to-ground missiles. Instead of SNEB unguided rockets, the ARH will use 70 mm (2.75 in) rockets from Belgian developer, Forges de Zeebrugge (FZ). Twenty-two of the variant were ordered in December 2001. Most of the helicopters will be operated by the 1st Aviation Regiment based at Robertson Barracks in Darwin. The helicopter was shipped to Australia in part form and locally assembled at Brisbane Airport by Australia Aerospace.
NH Industries MRH-90 Taipan The NH Industries MRH-90 is a medium sized, twin-engine, multi-role military helicopter. It was developed in response to NATO requirements for a battlefield helicopter which would also capable of being operated in naval environments. One key innovation of the rotorcraft is the fly-by-wire control system employed - the MRH-90 is the first helicopter in the world to be equipped with full fly-by-wire flight controls.
In 2005, Australia ordered 12 aircraft to replace their aging fleet of Army UH-1 Iroquois helicopters. The Multi Role Helicopter (MRH) will replace the ADF’s existing Black Hawk and Sea King fleets with increased and improved capability, ability and capacity to meet emerging requirements. 46 MRH-90 aircraft will be acquired for Navy and Army. The type is designated MRH-90 Taipan, ‘MRH’ stands for Multi Role Helicopter.
AS 350BA Squirrel
The Eurocopter AS350 Écureuil (Squirrel) is a single-engine light helicopter originally designed and manufactured in France by Aérospatiale (now Airbus Helicopters). Replaced by the more capable S-70B-2 Seahawk aboard the frigates, the Squirrel has ceased dedicated embarked operations and is now used in the role of lead in helicopter training. The training role includes the conversion of all RAN pilots to rotary wing flying, preparation of pilots for operational flying and flying observers and aircrewman for their basic utility training. The aircraft also provides training support for ship’s flight deck teams.
The 723 Squadron helicopter display team was formed out of a need to showcase Naval Aviation to the public through recognised events. Such events include airshows, base open days as well as public events of significance. Whilst there have been many single helicopter displays from various types in the past the Squadron saw this as an opportunity to develop a Pairs Display. The display was developed and based upon a RN Lynx display, and has been incorporated into the Squadron Flying orders such that it will be available to the Squadron for years to come.
KA350 King Air The King Air is a modern twin-engine turboprop with two front seat crew capable of carrying up to four back-seat crew or nine passengers with a range of over 2,000 km.
The KA350 King Air provides Air Force with tactical air mobility to access remote areas of Australia, South East Asia and Pacific regions.
This important tactical air lift capability is operated by Number 38 Squadron and is used by the School of Air Warfare to provide training for air combat officer, maritime aviation warfare officers and in navigation.
Pilatus PC-9/A The Pilatus PC-9 is a single-engine, low-wing tandem-seat turboprop training aircraft manufactured by Pilatus Aircraft of Switzerland. Designed as a more powerful evolution of the Pilatus PC-7, the PC-9’s first flight was made in May 1984 after which certification was achieved in September 1985. After this, the first production orders for the type were received from the Royal Saudi Air Force, with deliveries commencing in 1985. Since then, more than 250 airframes have been produced across five different variants and the type
is employed by a number of military and civilian operators around the world, including the Swiss Air Force, the Royal Australian Air Force, and the Royal Thai Air Force. The Roulettes are the Royal Australian Air Force’s formation aerobatic display team. They provide about 150 flying displays a year, in Australia and in friendly countries around the Southeast Asian region. The Roulettes form part of the RAAF Central Flying School (CFS) at RAAF Base East Sale, Victoria.
Friday Night Alight Bob Carlton performs a dazzling night display in his Super Salto Jet Sailplane.
American Roger Buis performed a spectacular fireworks display in his Schweizer “Otto� 300C helicopter.
RAAF C-130J Hercules drops a huge load of flares at the Friday night alight.