Wings Over Illawarra 2017: RAAF Williamtown Hornets Blazing Through the Sky

No. 2 Operational Conversion Unit (2OCU) and No. 3 Squadron RAAF McDonnell Douglas F/A-18A Hornet multi-role fighters arrived at Wings Over Illawarra on Saturday May 6th, 2017 from RAAF Williamtown in roaring style with an impromptu air show performance before landing in preparation for their show closing, Saturday only air display.

RAAF No. 3 Squadron F/A-18A Hornet (A21-3)

RAAF No. 3 Squadron F/A-18A Hornet (A21-3)

RAAF 2OCU F/A-18A Hornet (A21-16) dirty pass

Undercarriage going up after the dirty pass

Heat haze! RAAF 2OCU F/A-18A Hornet (A21-16)

RAAF 2OCU F/A-18A Hornet (A21-16) low pass at Wings Over Illawarra 2017

RAAF 2OCU F/A-18A Hornet (A21-16) turning hard at Wings Over Illawarra 2017

RAAF 2OCU F/A-18A Hornet (A21-16) turning hard at Wings Over Illawarra 2017

RAAF 2OCU F/A-18A Hornet (A21-16)

RAAF 2OCU F/A-18A Hornet (A21-16) with 75th anniversary tail markings

Underbelly

2OCU 75th Anniversary and No. 3 Squadron F/A-18A Hornets land at Illawarra Regional Airport

By the time the late afternoon had arrived and the Hornets had taken off, clouds had filled the ever darkening sky and the sun had all but disappeared behind them. It made for dark photos but this also let the blazing afterburners of the Hornets really stand out. It made for an impressive sight!

RAAF No. 3 Squadron F/A-18A Hornet (A21-3) takes-off with afterburners blazing

RAAF 2OCU F/A-18A Hornet (A21-16) takes off with afterburner at Wings Over Illawarra 2017

2OCU F/A-18A Hornet (A21-16) rises sharply from the runway at Illawarra

Dark skies

Afterburner blazing

Lighting up the dark sky

Hornet silhouette

Sunset glow

Fast jets, loud noise… happy crowd!

Advertisements