An Aussie's travels to air shows, aviation museums and more around the world
Australian International Airshow 2017 – Avalon’s ADF Showcase Part II
Australian Defence Force (ADF) Showcase
The 20 minute ADF Showcase component of the Avalon Australian International Airshow 2017 was a ripper! This flying display featured reconnaissance, suppression, attack and rescue defence operations with fighter jets, helicopters, maritime patrol and support aircraft to demonstrate the mixed capabilities and skills of a joint ADF task force. The number of aircraft types involved was fantastic and included long-established and new aircraft from RAAF, army and navy assets. Up first lets take a look at the combat elements of the ADF Showcase.
RAAF Hornets
RAAF McDonnell Douglas F/A-18A/B Hornet fighters (a 2 Operational Conversion Unit F/A-18A and No. 3 Squadron two-seat F/A-18B) conducted both suppression and attack missions. The 71 Hornets currently operated by the RAAF (No. 3, 75, 77 Squadrons and 2OCU) will eventually be replaced by the Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter so it was great to see them play a big role at Avalon 2017. A BAE Hawk 127 lead-in jet fighter trainer also took part in the display (33 are operated across No. 76 and 79 Squadrons).
Australian Army & Navy Helicopters
A pair of Royal Australian Army Aviation MRH90 Taipan Multi-Role Helicopters inserted troops and were provided top cover from a pair ARH Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopters (the army will operate 41 MRH90 and 22 ARH Tiger helicopters). Off in the distance was a new Royal Australian Navy Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk helicopter (24 are on order) that soon flew in to demonstrate seaborne operations including sub hunting.
Maritime Patrol
The brand new Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft flew alongside the aircraft it will replace, the venerable Lockheed AP-3C Orion (12-15 P-8A’s will enter service and the last of 18 AP-3C aircraft are scheduled to be withdrawn by 2021). The P-8A is also based off the Boeing 737 platform. Both types would work in conjunction with the MH-60R Seahawk and in the near future the P-8A will work with the Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton long-range maritime patrol UAV of which a mock-up was on static display (7 are on order and they are huge!).
It was great to see so many aircraft involved and also see the new P-8A Poseidon included in the flying display alongside the AP-3C Orion. My next post will include the support aircraft that took part in the ADF Showcase.
5 thoughts on “Australian International Airshow 2017 – Avalon’s ADF Showcase Part II”
Seriously impressive photos! I’m very envious of the RAAF with its new aircraft, whereas our RNZAF lot on the other side of the ditch appear to be 60 year old Vietnam-era relics held together with duct tape (well, lovingly maintained by a dedicated and very expert bunch of engineers, which is why they still fly). Always have been a fan of the Hornet. I still remember around 1991, during my defence journalism jag, being aboard an RAAF B707 tanker and watching an F/A-18 float up alongside for a drink. They were brand new in service back then. Wonderful aircraft.
Thanks Matthew! In an upcoming post you will see the RNZAF C-130H that flew at Avalon – a great display despite the aircraft getting long in the tooth! That B707 flight would have been great – they did a display at Avalon with a new KC-30A refueling two F/A-18’s (next post)
Seriously impressive photos! I’m very envious of the RAAF with its new aircraft, whereas our RNZAF lot on the other side of the ditch appear to be 60 year old Vietnam-era relics held together with duct tape (well, lovingly maintained by a dedicated and very expert bunch of engineers, which is why they still fly). Always have been a fan of the Hornet. I still remember around 1991, during my defence journalism jag, being aboard an RAAF B707 tanker and watching an F/A-18 float up alongside for a drink. They were brand new in service back then. Wonderful aircraft.
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Thanks Matthew! In an upcoming post you will see the RNZAF C-130H that flew at Avalon – a great display despite the aircraft getting long in the tooth! That B707 flight would have been great – they did a display at Avalon with a new KC-30A refueling two F/A-18’s (next post)
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I’ll look forward to seeing it!
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I also think these photos are magnificen. Its great following the airshow with these posts, fantastic work.
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Thanks – much appreciated!
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