Amazing Avalon Airshow
Mr Richard Jackson
Editor Navy Today
A No.40 Squadron B757 flew a large contingent of Defence personnel to the biennial Australian International Airshow at Avalon, Victoria on 21 March. With major defence aviation projects underway the visit enabled senior officers and project staff to meet with corporate executives of some of the world’s major aerospace companies.
OH-07-0267-04-tn.jpg: Right image of an F-18 Super Hornet. The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) will spend up to $6B buying 24 aircraft as replacements for their ageing F-111s. They will fly for at least a decade from 2009/10.The Super hornets are a ‘bridging fighter’ over that period while the RAAF awaits delivery of its first F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters (JSF).
For others on the trip, the day was an opportunity to view some of the current priorities and initiatives of the international aerospace industry. As well there was the static park – including an ex-RNZAF Strikemaster among the many exotic business aircraft.
It was trade day, so the air display was not the full-on spectacle of the public days, but the FA-18E/F Super Hornet (now ordered by the RAAF) was a show-stopper.
Two other aspects were apparent:
- the growth in high-tech Army vehicles and systems – Land warfare equipment is now a major part of the show, and
- the importance of UAVs. Available big and small, they are now offered for many roles at all levels of command.
But perhaps the favourite for most, military and civilian, was the Augusta 109 business helo, accompanied by a Ferrari F50!
The air show was also a boon for a contingent of 12 New Zealand aviation companies. Aviation Industry Association chief executive said the new Zealand contingent had done’ somewhere between $10 million and $20 million worth of business at the week –long show.
OH-07-0267-06-tn.jpg: A Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) aircraft C-17 Globemaster.
OH-07-0267-02-tn.jpg: SQNLDR Paul Stockley views the workings of an aircraft.
OH-07-0267-07-tn.jpg: Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) personnel with their goody bags.
Related Links, see our Whats On section - Air shows and Open Days and About Us - RNZAF Aircraft.