View Full Version : MERGED: Thunderbirds for Townsville?
Critical Reynolds No
17th Mar 2009, 02:11
I bet Airhows downunder will be spitting. What a coup if it comes true.:ok:
ForkTailedDrKiller
17th Mar 2009, 03:55
I guess they felt that they had to pull something out of the hat, given that I was not available to do a display in the V-tail ! :E
Dr :8
Bevan666
17th Mar 2009, 04:26
I remember seeing them over Brighton Yacht Club in.. 1986? Ausome display!
I would love to see them again.
Bevan..
likes2fly
23rd Mar 2009, 11:46
What/when is going on in townsville thats big enough for them to join in??
SNS3Guppy
24th Mar 2009, 04:19
I just watched them yesterday. Winds pushing 40 knots and visibility under five miles in sand, and they still flew...and did their usual excellent job. Too bad it was hard to see them through the sand.
Mick.B
24th Mar 2009, 05:13
Slotted in for the 26th - 27th September on the Strand. Unconfirmed. The Tbird scouts were at Townsville not long age for a look at the display line ect. They should be also coming down the East Coast.
Alice Kiwican
24th Mar 2009, 05:38
Is that to coincide with the V8's 1st race in Townsville or something else?:ok:
Gundog01
24th Mar 2009, 09:32
Annual RAAF airshow is on in Townsville this year. The T-Birds are sure to be a big crowd puller.
sms777
24th Mar 2009, 09:35
What are the exact dates for the airshow? (I assume it is a multi day event)
Fratemate
24th Mar 2009, 09:55
Are we all talking about the same Thunderbirds here, i.e the USAF F16s?
If so, how can anyone even comprehend using awesome and Thunderbirds in the same sentence? They are the most boring bunch of prima donas to walk the Earth and their show lacks originality, choreography and 'punch'. What you get to see is a bunch of guys taking half an hour to get to their aircraft (wow, all arriving at the steps at the same time), taking an absolute age to get in the air (but showing us how they can all lower their canopies at the same time and how smartly they can salute) and then, despite flying an aircraft that could really 'wow' the crowds, given it's manoeuvering capabilities, they bore everyone fartless with flypasts that could be flown by anyone in military flight school.
A formation of four is not impressive and neither is their show. If you're a gullible septic then you'll go all gooey and clutch your heart because, amazingly, the aircraft produce smoke in red, white and blue. God bless America and all that patriotic nonsense.
You want CLOSE formation, watch the Blue Angels. You want to see an impressive display of a decent sized formation, watch the Red Arrows. You want to see punch, flare and some very skillful flying, watch the Patrouille De France (you wouldn't believe how much that hurts to say that :yuk:) but, as my daughter would say, perleeze, the Thunderbirds. Save my money and buy some paint to watch drying; it's a damned sight more interesting.
Ahh, that's better :ok:
PS: Ex-military fast jet and ex-display pilot, whose had to endure airshows with the Thunderbirds in both the UK and in the USA. I say that only to stop the 'well how would you know brigade'.
Now back to cattle mustering and floatplanes; that's much more interesting.......
MyNameIsIs
24th Mar 2009, 10:28
Fratemate,
but they do do impressive things when they forget to set the correct QNH! (Or QFE... or whatever it is- he's the one that forgot not me!)
http://www.thetechzone.com/photo/data//500/1574Thunderbirds_Crash-med.jpg
porch monkey
25th Mar 2009, 08:36
Yeah OK, Guess I'd expect that kind of assessment from - and let me quote - Ex Fast jet jock, Display pilot etc. Primadonnas huh? Guess that's just a bit of pot calling kettle really........ You can call the Thunderbirds boring or whatever you like, the thing is they will be here, not the Blue Angels, or the Red Arrows or even the froggies. So as good as those three might be, until they decide to come to OZ, at least we'll see SOMETHING!
Mick.B
7th May 2009, 00:14
Thunderbirds are go for Townsville
JESSICA JOHNSTON (
[email protected])
May 7th, 2009
THE largest air show in Australia will be held in Towns ville this year after the promised spectacular event was given final approval.
An array of of military aircraft will perform along the full length of The Strand during the extravaganza on September 26.
The program was yesterday given the green-light after Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon threw his support behind the show.
Townsville City Council events and protocol manager Tom Aubrey predicted huge crowds would flock to the Strand for the show.
"We are expecting to see the biggest air show in Australia this year,'' he said.
"It should be a fantastic day, the last time we did something similar was the Centenary of Federation in 2001, and we had 60,000-70,000 people on the Strand for that.
"They are usually held at Amberley, now Northern Australian will host the only one this year."
It is understood that the world's leading formation flying team, the USAF Thunderbirds, will headline the festival. F-111s are expected to perform a `dump and burn' in their last air show ever, while Caribous will also take to the sky for their last public performance.
SPECTACULAR AIR SHOW TIPPED FOR TOWNSVILLE (http://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/article/2009/03/17/45021_news.html)
WATCH THE THUNDERBIRDS GO (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8LF0xp53W0)
WILL YOU SEE THE AIR SHOW? HAVE YOUR SAY BELOW (http://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/article/2009/05/07/52431_news.html#comments)
Other confirmed aircraft include F/A-18 Hornets, C-17 Globemaster, C130-J Hercules, AP-3C Orion, Sikorsky S-76 Series Helicopters, vintage WWII aircraft and other army helicopters.
A static aircraft display will be held at RAAF Base Townsville the following day, giving fans a chance to inspect the aircraft close up.
Townsville Mayor Les Tyrell said the city was cementing a reputation for attracting world-class events.
The Troy Dunn International bull-riding competition will be held this month, before the city gears up for a jam-packed July, with the National Superboat Series, inaugural V8 Supercars race and Festival of Chamber Music all scheduled.
International cricket and NQ Fury home games will add to the excitement, before the sky lights up during the September air show.
Mr Fitzgibbon said he had approved the Townsville event despite slashing the use of military aircraft for entertainment.
"I want to always be sure that when we are spending big money sending expensive capability into all sorts of community events, including football games for example, that tax-payers are getting value for money."
Mr Fitzgibbon said the valuable exposure during the Townsville air show would provide a recruitment opportunity for the Defence Force.
tipsy2
7th May 2009, 00:58
I have to agree with the general thrust of Fratemate's observations of the T-birds.
Having seen them 'perform' a number of times it stuck out like the proverbial "dogs b.lls" that whilst the formation looked tight in plan form, it was infact double or even triple the normal vertical separation when seen in end or side elevation.
It was infact an illusion.
Mind you to the unitiated (ie most of the impressionable populace) it probably looked all oooh aaaaah exciting.
Porchy, there was enough vertical separation for you to stick your 73 in there quite comfortably.:ok:
tipsy
:yuk:furball:yuk::yuk:
cogwheel
7th May 2009, 02:05
I wonder if the TVL airport folk will waive the landing charges????
yeah!!
The Townsville Refueller will be rubbing his hands together :p
porch monkey
8th May 2009, 09:27
Maybe so, Tipsy, but until they let me try that, then from the ground all I can say it looks pretty good to me..... Like I said, at least they are coming here.
sms777
8th May 2009, 09:42
O.K. so... does anyone have a confirmed date so i book the cheapest airfare (we are in a recession remember?) because Avalon put me right off airshows. However you banana benders promise to put on the show of all shows i have decided to waste more money and my time to attend another airshow downunder for probably get totally disgusted and pissed off so next year i can go to Oshkosh.
So.... how about it big mouths, see if you can put your money where your mouth is!
:ok:
ForkTailedDrKiller
8th May 2009, 09:55
Save ya money for Oshkosh!
Dr :8
sms777
8th May 2009, 09:59
Thanks Doc,
I needed a professional advice.
:ok:
Mick.B
9th May 2009, 08:59
Defence force airshows run rings around Avalon. The way the are allowed to display aircraft is alot more entertaining. Less security, less money and alot more relaxed. Cant wait.
Flying display is 26th Sept. Static Display 27th Sept.
Capt Kremin
30th Aug 2009, 23:57
Are these dates confirmed? There is still nothing on the Thunderbirds website.
Trojan1981
31st Aug 2009, 02:32
Love to be there, but I'll be watching these guys that weekend...
uS5F2swcWjU
I'll be there for the Caribou farewell...
WMUOSF
31st Aug 2009, 02:46
Check it out on the RAAF website.
The airshow will be over the Strand ,i.e Townsville Beach.
No charge. Sat 26 Sept.
Static display RAAF Base Townsville Airport Sun 27 Sept.
No charge.
benharris10
31st Aug 2009, 05:19
Links here - Royal Australian Air Force: Defence Force Air Display: Townsville September 2009 (http://www.airforce.gov.au/Townsville/Index.aspx)
and - Royal Australian Air Force Air Shows : Royal Australian Air Force (http://www.airforce.gov.au/AirShows/index.aspx)
Looks like a good show, good for Townsville. I imagine there will be some disruptions to RPT flights over the time the show is on?
Does anybody know what aircraft will be involved in the Static Display on Sunday?
ForkTailedDrKiller
31st Aug 2009, 06:02
Does anybody know what aircraft will be involved in the Static Display on Sunday?
I'll drag the Forktailed Dr Killer out of the hangar for a carton of Crownies!
Dr :8
benharris10
31st Aug 2009, 06:24
Kind offer Dr!! I think I've seen the V-tail over at the Hegarty hanger a couple of times (you are based in Tville right?)
I'll drag the Forktailed Dr Killer out of the hangar for a carton of Crownies!
I'm a corona man myself... :E Will they do?
Capt Kremin
31st Aug 2009, 07:33
Thanks for that. The reason I asked is that there is nothing on the TBirds site about Townsville. I hope that doesn't mean they aren't coming!
Critical Reynolds No
14th Sep 2009, 03:48
They must be, it's on the t-shirt!:ok:
flightlineamerica: Thunderbirds 2009 Tour T-Shirt (http://www.flightlineamerica.com/F/product/TFtb09.html)
Peter Fanelli
14th Sep 2009, 10:40
If there's nothing on the thunderbirds website has anyone checked the International Rescue website?
Trust me.... Thunderbirds are GO!:ok:
WMUOSF
22nd Sep 2009, 05:19
The Thunderbirds have arrived in Townsville.
Alredy putting on a show for school holidays at the Strand.
Expect to see them practicing until the display on Saturday.
oldpinger
22nd Sep 2009, 07:19
Wonder if the Roulettes are going to put in an appearance?:E Maybe someone will give them Hawks or even F18s to play with once they see the competition:ok:
Not much in the press about this show- any other big drawcards?
Correction
Thunderbirds are here!
VBPCGUY
22nd Sep 2009, 11:56
Im heading up there Friday morning, looking forward to it:ok:
benharris10
22nd Sep 2009, 12:37
Wonder if the Roulettes are going to put in an appearance?http://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/smilies/evil.gif Maybe someone will give them Hawks or even F18s to play with once they see the competition:ok:
Not much in the press about this show- any other big drawcards? The local rag (Townsville Bulletin) has been giving it a fair bit of press, over the last week and a half it has probably had an article per day about the show. I understand the Roulette's will be there, as well as the F-18's, F111's Caribou's, C17's, and some Helo displays as well. I'm sure there are more, but cannot remember off the top of my head.
Was going to post some links, but if you go to www.townsvillebulletin.com.au (http://www.pprune.org/www.townsvillebulletin.com.au) and search "airshow" in the top right, you will get most of the articles.
The Thunderbirds looked awesome today when they got in, must have burned around over the city and strand for an hour or so. Will certainly be interesting on Saturday to see how the projected 80,000 people go on the Strand, and more importantly if the council sets up the right amount of facilities and amenities on the day. Should certainly be good though! :ok:
illusion
22nd Sep 2009, 13:31
Eclan,
The young Pilot Officer who was involved in that inclement chapter in military aviation has moved onto things a LOT faster than a HS748...!
WMUOSF
22nd Sep 2009, 21:14
Thunderbirds and support aircraft arrived yesterday afternoon.
It is school holidays up here, plenty of people were on the beach, and were not disappointed. They were given their own display for about 40 mins, including smoke.
Not bad after their flight from HNL.
Hope the Aussies can arrive with as much style.
Saturday will be worth seeing.
benharris10
23rd Sep 2009, 00:52
Link to some Video here (http://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/NewsVids.html?vid=News%2Ftbirdsarrive.flv&title=USAF%20Thunderbirds%20arrive%20in%20Townsville)
BAZZA BOEING
24th Sep 2009, 02:25
I wish they would get a bloody reporter that knows what a C17 looks like and not a KC 10 as in this video :ugh: :=
Cheers Bazza
WMUOSF
24th Sep 2009, 03:12
C17 landed and taxied in just before the KC10.
BAZZA BOEING
24th Sep 2009, 03:56
Its just that the reporter said two huge C17 aircraft while showing the KC 10. You would have thought they could of at least said one KC 10 was used to refuel the Thunderbirds enroute to Townsville. Fairly poor reporting on his part I think anyway.
Cheers Bazza
spirax
24th Sep 2009, 12:05
Another KC10 parked at CNS....
Lusty Blows
24th Sep 2009, 23:23
Thunderbirds article in The Australian today. I think the author is a QF guy?
High-speed thrills as Thunderbirds roll in: USAF | The Australian (http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/business/story/0,,26119969-23349,00.html)
benharris10
25th Sep 2009, 04:06
Hoping this dust clears off... Nowhere near as bad as what Sydney or Brisbane had, but seems to be hanging around. Visibility is about 5 km's.
Been like this since yesterday morning. You can normally see Mt Stuart Clearly in this picture.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_hxhJ0hoZKbg/SrxAuHSHw9I/AAAAAAAADGg/LhhmA1cMyEk/s800/09252009054.jpg
This is facing North, Towards the Strand and Magnetic Island, which is normally clearly visible. Haven't seen or heard any Jets practicing today, although heard the Caribous were out earlier.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_hxhJ0hoZKbg/SrxAuHmQNmI/AAAAAAAADGk/0Jpiz633ilA/s800/09252009055.jpg
Edit - They're up! Legends
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_hxhJ0hoZKbg/SrxV7snbQsI/AAAAAAAADGo/tbH5rdLOX08/s800/Tbirds.jpg
Sorry for the poor image quality - Camera phone on an N95.
WMUOSF
25th Sep 2009, 05:35
1530 The Thunderbirds are putting on a show at the moment.
Unfortunately because of the dust and smoke in the air we cannot see it, but can definitely hear it.
Hope the air clears overnight.
baffler15
25th Sep 2009, 12:00
A bit of trivia for everyone following this thread - was having a yarn with one of the Thunderbird pilots in the RAAF Townsville officers mess at lunch today. Took them 11 hours to get from Hawaii to Townsville, with 16 hits on the tanker for each jet on the way. Fair bit of cash involved in getting 8 F-16s across the Pacific, it would seem!
The Baffler :ok:
spirax
26th Sep 2009, 13:26
A top day, tho' still a bit of dust haze. Venue great, displays great and Thunderbirds as good as one might expect. 'Bou's did not show however??
PropDuster
26th Sep 2009, 15:24
Bou's went u/s at the last minute
Peak oil strikes again :)
ForkTailedDrKiller
27th Sep 2009, 03:55
I gave the T-birds a miss cause I am kinda over airshows - but I am now having some regrets!
According to todays paper, they were slicing "through the air at more than 2000 km/hr"! Now that may have been worth a look!
Obviously they employed some special sonic boom suppression technology cause I have not heard any reports of broken windows etc!
Dr :8
Runaway Gun
27th Sep 2009, 09:26
Dr, that's combined total airspeed.... Just got to add them all up :)
triadic
27th Sep 2009, 13:53
A great day & worth the effort to attend.....
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq325/hangar6/Townsville%20Air%20Show%2009/IMG_5135t.jpg
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq325/hangar6/Townsville%20Air%20Show%2009/IMG_5096t.jpg
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq325/hangar6/Townsville%20Air%20Show%2009/IMG_5012t.jpg
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq325/hangar6/Townsville%20Air%20Show%2009/IMG_5132t.jpg
*Note the number <5> on the inverted aircraft !
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq325/hangar6/Townsville%20Air%20Show%2009/IMG_5021t.jpg
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq325/hangar6/Townsville%20Air%20Show%2009/IMG_5044t.jpg
#6 did a pass at m0.92 at ~300ft when the crowd was looking the other way....certainly got some attention!!
ForkTailedDrKiller
29th Sep 2009, 03:50
A great show - according to the punters!
Interesting though, apparently:
Caribou didn't show
Mustang didn't show
Neptune didn't show
Emergency Chopper didn't show
FTDK didn't show :E
Dr :8
Caribou didn't show - Caribou's temporarily grounded, back soon
Mustang didn't show - Mustang broke on the ground at YBTL late friday arvo
Neptune didn't show - couldn't get out of Adeliade due dust storm
Emergency Chopper didn't show - Got called away on a MED1 task
FTDK didn't show - No excuse. Should be flogged:)