Pacific Airshow Gold Coast 2023: Everything you need to know about RAAF and US Air Force planes

The US Navy and Air Force will send some of its most powerful fighter jets to the Gold Coast in August to perform death-defying stunts over the Surfers Paradise skyline.

Some of the world’s most powerful military aircraft will soar through the sky above Surfers Paradise when the inaugural Pacific Airshow is held next month.

High-powered combat aircraft including the F-18 Super Hornet and the F-16 Fighting Falcon will switch on the afterburners and perform aerial manoeuvres for crowds after the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and US Air Force both signed on to take part in the Gold Coast show, which will be held from August 18-20.

Pacific Air Show director Kevin Elliott. Picture Glenn Hampson

Airshow founder Kevin Elliott said the event would inject at least $25m into the Gold Coast economy, lure up to 150,000 tourists and boost the city’s quiet late winter events calendar.

“We are absolutely thrilled to have the support of the Australian Defence Force, showcasing key assets from their arsenal at our event,” he said.

“The Royal Australian Air Force’s commitment and participation is of particular significance given Pacific Airshow is the new kid on the block.

“Their presence will elevate the excitement felt on the Gold Coast and further reinforce our message of mateship between Australia and the United States.”

An F-16.

The RAAF will supply:

* The F/A-18F Super Hornet.

* C-17A Globemaster III.

* Air Force Roulettes.

* C130J Hercules.

The US Air Force will show:

* PACAF F-16 Demo Team

* KC-135R Stratotanker Demo Team:

* US Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey

* C-17A Globemaster III

* C-5M Super Galaxy

* The US navy Leap Frogs Parachute Demonstration Team.

An F-18 Super Hornet in action.

The event will be held over three days and include four hours of aerial acrobatics each day.

More than 40 performers from 20 different aerial acts will take part on the Gold Coast. Planes will launch from both Amberley air base in Brisbane and Coolangatta airport.

While the event will be free to watch from the beach, tickets will be needed for the grandstands and hospitality areas which will be built on the sand overlooking the water.

Mr Elliott said there would be non-stop aerial action during the show.

The US navy Leap Frogs Parachute Demonstration Team will take part.

“Pacific Airshow is a remote show, meaning it takes place over water as opposed to an airport, giving you the chance to watch the action from the comfort of the beach, listening to great music and commentary while surrounded by your family, friends, and in an amazing hospitality venue.

“We present performers in a cadence that really changes the whole airshow experience, which is what Pacific Airshow is all about.

“As one Aviator finishes their display, another flies right in, and you have less than 60 seconds between performers. So, there’s always something to see, always something in your face, always something new happening. It’s something you have to experience to understand.”

The US Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey will be used in the Pacific Air Show Gold Coast in August 2023.

Mayor Tom Tate, a self-described Top Gun fan, delivered one of the movie’s famous lines in describing the boost the show would deliver to the city.

“I feel the need, the need

for speed. Pacific Airshow Gold Coast will be a spectacle like no other, where visitors and locals alike will witness stunning aerobatics and formation flying with incredible skill and precision,” he said.

“Keep looking up and you won’t miss a beat. Having seen this event at Huntington Beach, I cannot wait to see it on our very own Gold Coast.”

Pacific Airshow was first held in California in 2016 and has featured performances by the US Air Force Thunderbirds, US navy Blue Angels, Royal Air Force Red Arrows and Canadian Forces Snowbirds.

More than 3 million people attended the 2021 show at Huntington beach.

The US event is shown live on Disney-owned service Hulu.