F-111G's retired.
Townsville "Airshow"
Minor point but relates to expectation - the Townsville "Airshow" is actually an "Open Day".
(= different emphasis within defence (resources etc))
(= different emphasis within defence (resources etc))
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The airshow is on Saturday on the foreshore called "The Strand". The sunday is the open day at RAAF Townsville and I doubt there will be any flying at all.
Other opps to see the F-111 are the Indy Gold coast whatever it is. River Fire. Whenever that is and Pearce defence force show in 2010. There will then be a "private" last horrah at Amberley around Dec 2010.
Other opps to see the F-111 are the Indy Gold coast whatever it is. River Fire. Whenever that is and Pearce defence force show in 2010. There will then be a "private" last horrah at Amberley around Dec 2010.
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I doubt any would be allowed to be flyable. Can't have a Mach 2 bomber flying around in civilian hands. Even without bombs, think of all that kinetic energy in the wrong hands. I would also surmise that the US would have imposed some sort of restrictions on their disposal.
Anyone who aspired to keep one flying would have to have AWFULLY deep pockets anyway.
Anyone who aspired to keep one flying would have to have AWFULLY deep pockets anyway.
think of all that kinetic energy in the wrong hands
There are civilian EE Lightnings, Buccaneers, Hunters, Harriers, Skyhawks, Mirages and Migs flown around the world by civvies. The Concorde was also flown by civvies, so where is the problem?
Oh thats right, the Yanks
It will be good to see the last of the Great Urban Myth. An airplane that the government and general public thought was so capable that it didn't need the funding to provide the necessary add ons and extras to go to war with. Or an aeroplane supposedly still so capable it sends shivers through our near-north adversaries. Or an aeroplane so advanced evolutionary, that despite having a monster radar signature, it could still go on upgraded forever in an age of stealth.
Our new bombers ( Super Hornets ) now seem more down to earth so to speak. Yes they need tankers. Yes they need the latest electronic warfare equipment. And yes they will be able to go to war.
Our new bombers ( Super Hornets ) now seem more down to earth so to speak. Yes they need tankers. Yes they need the latest electronic warfare equipment. And yes they will be able to go to war.
Last edited by Gnadenburg; 27th Aug 2009 at 05:04.
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The airshow is on Saturday on the foreshore called "The Strand". The sunday is the open day at RAAF Townsville and I doubt there will be any flying at all
The Defence Force Air Display Townsville is the eighth in the series of annual Air Shows around Australia at major Air Force Bases. These Shows are primarily a medium for recruiting, public information and promotion of the professional military skills and the ADF image. Although the displays are centred on aircraft, our goal is to involve and promote all three Services where practicable.
This event is a break from the past format. The display will be in front of ‘The Strand’, over water rather than on the RAAF Base. This will give us a wider frontage for spectators as we are expecting a large crowd to gather from surrounding regions. The big draw card for the display will be the United States Air Force demonstration Team, ‘The Thunderbirds’, in six F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft.
They will be accompanied by two C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft and two KC-10 tanker aircraft for en-route refuelling. The Thunderbirds will be coming from Hawaii to Townsville via Cairns and the coast and will fly out to Guam on Monday 28th September for a Show in Guam and then on to Malaysia.
The Air Display will be approximately three hours long and will begin at 1430. As with all such events involving complex military aircraft that are in high demand operationally, the actual content of the air display and start time may vary, so visit this web site regularly.
The event is co-sponsored by the Townsville city Council, with a significant contribution from the Townsville Media Centre – 4TOFM, Southern Cross Ten and HOT103.1 FM. 4TO will actually provide the commentary of the air display, so listen to Steve Price each morning for air display updates and bring your radio to The Strand and listen to the commentary, live, with ‘Pricey’ and his team of experts on 102.3FM.
The Townsville City Council will be preparing the City to celebrate the 10th anniversary of ‘The Stand’. There will be food and amusements rides through the afternoon and evening. And following the air display there will be a 90 minute concert by the Air Force Band and 1st Battalion Bands and a fireworks display supported by the F-111’s spectacular ‘torch’ demonstration. This will be one of the last such demonstrations in the world, as the F-111 is the only aircraft with this capability and it is scheduled to be retired from the RAAF beginning next year.
Royal Australian Air Force: Defence Force Air Display: Townsville September 2009: Royal Australian Air Force: Royal Australian Air Force
The air display will primarily run parallel to The Strand. Some aircraft will pass over the industrial area in South Townsville and between the Casino and the pleasure boat harbour. Some delays may be experienced during the Thunderbirds display as traffic will not be allowed under the aircraft flight path.
The display will also create high noise periods. However, the brief duration of the noise is such that there is no risk of hearing damage. However, because the noise can alarm small children and the elderly, ear plugs will available from the Air Force Cadets around the Strand before and during the air display.
Although some aircraft have yet to be confirmed we are planning to feature:
- F/A-18 Hornets (Air Superiority and Ground Attack Fighter)
- BAe Hawks (Advanced jet training and light operations)
- C-17 Globemaster (Heavy Transport) – too be confirmed
- C130 – Hercules (Strategic and Tactical Transport)
- F-111 Ardvaark (Long- range Strike)
- C-7 Caribou (MediumTransport (farewell appearance)
- Army CH-60 Blackhawk (Utility transport helicopter)
- Thunderbirds – F-16 Fighting Falcon (about 35 minutes)
- The RAAF ‘Roulettes’ Display Team – PC9
- AP3C Orion maritime strike and surveillance
- USAF KC-10 (Strategic Air Refuelling Tanker)
- Qantas Dash 8 and/or 737 (To be confirmed)
- Tigermoth
- UH1- Huey helicopter (To be confirmed)
- SP2H Neptune (Maritime patrol - historic aircraft)
- C47 Dakota (General Transport – historic aircraft)
- Nanchang (To be confirmed)
The RAAF Base will be open from 1000-1500 on Sunday 27th of September to allow enthusiasts to inspect the aircraft involved in the flying display and talk to the pilots. Entry and parking are gratis. No flying is planned but there will be comprehensive supporting displays of military hardware and activities by both Army and Air Force and a hangar setup for some 50 commercial exhibitors.
A full catering service will be available. However, there will be limited seating and, as with all airfields, there is limited shade.
Parking will primarily be on the Base with overflow space available directly across Ingham highway. Parking will be available for cars displaying an official Government issued disabled sticker.
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Taildragger67
Taildragger67
Yes Milt will be sad to see them go.
During the acquisition of the F-111Cs, having made up my mind as Project Manager that they were indeed aircraft with very high potentials, I inspired my staff to keep them alive. I attended each rebirth during their recovery when electrical power was first reapplied and later saw them on their way to as far as Hickham AFB Hawaii.
Now in retirement I revell in the knowledge that those F111Cs have been such a significant asset to the RAAF and Australia. Still think of them as "my babies" and will be sad when they stop swinging their wings particularly considering their continuing extended performance which then goes to waste as they phase out.
Aren't they still irreplaceable?
Someone took a photo of me sitting in the cockpit soon after delivering the last one out of Texas to Sacramento CA. Thought it fitting to get another similar shot at the Avalon airshow this year. Took a bit of arranging but had forgotten how to enter the right seat. With my left leg inserted towards the left rudder pedal and then my butt on the seat I had my right leg hanging over the edge of the cockpit. An ungainly and embarrassing few minutes until someone was able to manoeuvre my leg inside!! Time between shots 35 years.
One now RIP at Point Cook and would like to see Temora and HARS at Albion Park offered one each for posterity.
Yes Milt will be sad to see them go.
During the acquisition of the F-111Cs, having made up my mind as Project Manager that they were indeed aircraft with very high potentials, I inspired my staff to keep them alive. I attended each rebirth during their recovery when electrical power was first reapplied and later saw them on their way to as far as Hickham AFB Hawaii.
Now in retirement I revell in the knowledge that those F111Cs have been such a significant asset to the RAAF and Australia. Still think of them as "my babies" and will be sad when they stop swinging their wings particularly considering their continuing extended performance which then goes to waste as they phase out.
Aren't they still irreplaceable?
Someone took a photo of me sitting in the cockpit soon after delivering the last one out of Texas to Sacramento CA. Thought it fitting to get another similar shot at the Avalon airshow this year. Took a bit of arranging but had forgotten how to enter the right seat. With my left leg inserted towards the left rudder pedal and then my butt on the seat I had my right leg hanging over the edge of the cockpit. An ungainly and embarrassing few minutes until someone was able to manoeuvre my leg inside!! Time between shots 35 years.
One now RIP at Point Cook and would like to see Temora and HARS at Albion Park offered one each for posterity.