The Royal Australian Air Force has announced next year's Avalon Airshow will be the centrepiece of the RAAF's 90th anniversary activities.
The 2011 Australian International Airshow, or Avalon, as most aviators know it by, is set to be one of the biggest airshows ever conducted in the Southern Hemisphere. And, given it coincides with the RAAF’s 90th anniversary, it’s a fitting opportunity to recognise this milestone on a major stage, says Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Mark Binskin.
“This will be a great opportunity for the public to get a close look at Air Force’s current high-tech fighter and strike capabilities, including the potent F/A-18F Super Hornet and the Wedgetail airborne early warning and control aircraft, both of which came into RAAF operational service this year,” Air Marshal Binskin said.
“The airshow will be a major opportunity to highlight RAAF’s future, in particular our transition to the cutting-edge Joint Strike Fighter.
“We anticipate nearly all of Air Force’s aircraft types will be represented at Avalon next year, along with Navy and Army aviation assets. Dozens of Australian Defence Force aircraft will participate.”
Avalon 2011 descends on Victoria’a Avalon Airport from March 1 and runs through to March 6. While the first three and a half days will be open to industry only, from 1400 on Friday March 4 the gates will be open for the general public to undoubtedly flood through and marvel at all Avalon 2011 will have to offer.
The RAAF's new F/A-18F Super Hornets will light up Avalon 2011. (Department of Defence)
