2015 Avalon International Airshow

[Luig]

ADF supports the 2015 International Airshow 14 November 2014 | Media Release

http://news.defence.gov.au/2014/11/14/adf-...tional-airshow/

"Defence is once again proud to be a major partner of the Australian International Airshow and Defence Exposition to be held at Avalon Airport in Victoria from 24 February to 1 March 2015.

The ADF will participate in the airshow by showcasing a wide range of contemporary Air Force, Navy and Army aircraft along with a number of static ground displays.

Representing the Chief of Air Force at the official media launch, Air Vice-Marshal Mel Hupfeld said next year’s airshow would pay tribute to the heroes of military aviation.

“In the lead up to the 100th anniversary of the Anzac landings, the airshow will give special recognition to commemorating more than a century of military aviation service to the nation,” AVM Hupfeld said.

“Since 1914, the ADF has operated more than 200 different types of military aircraft. We are proud of the courageous military air and ground crews of the past who maintained and operated these wonderful aircraft. Their service and sacrifice continue to inspire the men and women of today’s Defence Force,” he said.

A range of current Air Force aircraft are expected to participate at the airshow, including the F/A-18F Super Hornet multi-role fighter, C-17A Globemaster III heavy airlift aircraft, E-7A Wedgetail, KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport aircraft, and the Air Force’s elite Roulettes formation aerobatic team.

The Royal Australian Navy’s AS350 Squirrel training helicopters, a MRH-90 Taipan maritime utility helicopter, a MHR-60R ‘Romeo’ maritime combat helicopter and the Bell UHB-1 Iroquois Navy Historic Flight Helicopter are also expected to participate.

The Australian Army is expected to provide two Multi Role Helicopters (MRH-90 helicopters), two Armed Reconnaissance Helicopters (ARH Tigers), a M1A1 Abrams tank, a M113 Armoured Personnel Carrier, a Protected Mobility Vehicle and the elite Red Berets.

The ADF will also have major ground displays including military working dogs, the Air Force Band, the Federation Guard, an explosive ordnance display, an engineering display, and a mock up of the F-35A Lightning II."

Media note: More information is available at www.airshow.com.au

[Martin Edwards]

Thanks Phil.
...same old stuff, getting a bit boring year after year.
It will be good to see the Romeo but why can't we see a real F-35?
I wouldn't hold your breath for any US participation either.

[Martin Edwards]

However I am more than happy to be proven wrong.

http://www.airshow.com.au/airshow2015/PUBL...ia-releases.asp

Attached Image

[Martin Edwards]

Something new!

Singapore’s world famous Black Knights precision aerobatic team will make its Australian International Airshow debut at Avalon in February.

The team is a high performance unit of the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and flies the F-16 Fighting Falcon.


The F-16 is one of the most powerful and maneuverable jet fighters ever built and is perfectly suited to high-speed, high-energy precision aerobatics.

The Black Knights’ distinctly marked aircraft, red and white stripes (Singapore’s national colours) with a black chess piece knight emblazoned on the tail, make it a highly recognisable group.

The Black Knights team was formed in the early 1970s and has enthralled audiences throughout South East Asia for more than 40 years.

Its high octane routine consists of no fewer than 18 separate rolls, passes, twists and loops.

At Avalon it will perform an exciting and highly memorable display.

While all of the team’s pilots are among the best aerobatic fliers in the world they are also highly trained combat pilots in their own right.

They stand ready and able to switch from performance to front line defence roles if the need arises.

The RSAF is sending three of its F-16 jet aircraft to Avalon along with two of its PC-21 trainer Aircraft.


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[Rick Ecosse]

Afternoon all,

My now sole serial gap from my trip is the AP-3C in the flying display at Avalon on 28th February 2015. Unfortunately it never put it's wheels down and it was never in level flight long enough for a clean shot of the port rear fuselage - at the north end anyway. Did anyone obtain a clean photo of the rear port fuselage where the external serial is placed near the entry door? Long shot I know but I have to ask.

Again thanks for all help with the trip and thank you for your consideration.

Kind regards

Rick
Scotland

[Martin Edwards]

The serials of the Orions at Avalon were listed on one of the Facebook group that I am in. I will try and find it (not necessarily easy on Facebook with no indexing or search functions)

[Rick Ecosse]

Hi Martin,

Much appreciated. They are not what I call common here but what were the odds of the one in the static display being one I recorded at Fairford IAT, UK in July 1989. Good job for a sense of humour.

Regards
Rick

[batman]

Yes, serials very hard to see.

Purposely done because of the P-3's long service on ops in the Gulf.

The serial numbers were so hard to see that the aircraft had dayglo covers on the nosewheel doors to display the aircraft number for aircrew and groundcrew!

But on a positive note, the serial started with A9- !!

[Brenden S]

A9-751 was the aircraft in question. Lucky enough I took a photo of the serial.
(IMG:http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f195/dc3engineer/IMG_9873_zpsbzjndple.jpg)

[Rick Ecosse]

Hi Brendan,

Many thanks for this attention. The photo is not too clear to myself but am sure you wouldn't post without having a personal blow-up. This now goes in the log as 751 so many thanks.

Only leaves the private Texan at Illwarra which I am not holding out much hope for and I have been, saw and virtually conquered. Never had such a clean sweep in any country before. All help has been much appreciated and will continue to check and add what I can as I shall be back. And leave your great country as I found it.

Kind regards
Rick W

[Brenden S]

The full serial is next to the door and below the bubble window. It is very small indeed.

The Harvard may be this one that you are after. It is ex VHSFY and under restoration to airworthy by HARS.
http://www.jetphotos.net/viewphoto.php?id=7442799&nseq=29

[Martin Edwards]

Thanks Brenden.
I didn't realise that VH-SFY was being painted in German Air Force markings.
That probably means its future will be the "bad guy" at air shows!

[Rick Ecosse]

Afternoon chaps,

That is the one. I tried to remember the USAF serial but senior moments got in the way.

With the assistance of specifically yourselves, Martin and Brenden and this highly unusual Group, I have now conquered. No virtual in it now. Your willingness to help is something I am not familiar with generally in Europe and can not thank you both enough.

As I have said, I shall be back for another great adventure and shall maintain a watch on the Group and assist when I am able. Very much appreciated. Be well all.

Kind regards
Rick W

[Martin Edwards]

Thanks for the kind words Rick, we are glad to be able to help.

[Brenden S]

You are more than welcome and always happy to assist. I know how hard it can be as I am currently trying to figure out registrations from my duxford trip!