Flight or fight, it’s novelty and power in biennial display

At least 45 military, vintage and aerobatic aircraft are set for the Australian International Airshow, and that’s not counting others for the Avalon exposition.

Paul Bennet’s Sky Aces are set to return to Avalon.

From the most advanced and expensive warplane built to a troupe of Scandinavian wing walkers, this year’s Australian International Airshow at Avalon will have reasons to look up.

At least 45 military aircraft, warbirds and aerobatic performers are scheduled to appear at the biennial show, and that excludes those that will be part of the associated Aerospace and Defence Exposition.

Public sessions are scheduled for the afternoon of next Friday, and through the weekend.

The Royal Australian Air Force will show off its complement of combat assets led by the new stealth F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, alongside the EA-18G Growler, Super Hornets and Classic Hornets fighters, Hawk trainers and the giant C-17A Globemaster transport.

The US will also make a major contribution to the airshow with the $400 million F-22 Raptor, the B-52 Stratofortress and the P-8A Poseidon.

An F-22 at Avalon in 2017. Picture: Alex Coppel

Considered the most advanced fighter, the stealth F-22, which has a different intended role from the F-35, can super-cruise at twice the speed of sound without engaging its afterburners, thanks to two huge Pratt and Whitney turbofans that generate more than 15,000 kilograms of thrust each.

Its shape and use of radar-absorbent materials make it hard to detect by radar, underlining its status as an awesome defence asset.

Two of the B-52 Stratofortress aircraft will also take part, with one getting airborne and the other on ground display.

A US Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bomber arrives in Darwin. Picture: Katrina Bridgeford

Despite making its maiden flight in 1952, and flying hundreds of bombing missions during the Vietnam War, the Stratofortress remains a fixture of the US Global Strike Command’s active list and is expected to remain in service until 2045.

Another head-turner promises to be the CASA CN-235, which will make its Avalon debut at this year’s show.

One of the most versatile combat aircraft in the French Air Force, the twin-engine, medium-range transport is actually three aircraft in one. In civilian configuration it is a standard passenger airliner, able to carry 51 passengers.

In combat mode, it becomes a tactical military transport capable of carrying munitions and medical supplies to the battlefront. And it can also become an attack platform armed with Harpoon anti-ship missiles, torpedoes and Exocet missiles.

Spectators at the 2017 airshow at Avalon. Picture: Jay Town

As impressive as the military aircraft may be, in the public eye they may be eclipsed by the aerobatic performers, led by Scandinavian Airshows in its Avalon debut.

The high-precision troupe has appeared at shows throughout Europe and North America, using Thor and Viking prototypes especially designed for power and agility. The troupe includes the heart-stopping wing walkers, and a modified Pitts Special known as the Wasp in the colourful night display.

Also appearing from the land of the Vikings will be Swedish and world gliding champion Johan Gustafsson.

His day and night-time shows offer a “series of highly impressive manoeuvres as coloured smoke pours from the wingtips of his glider”.

Another standout should be Jurgis Kairys’ Air Bandits, which specialise in high-energy routines and “breathtaking” feats. The two-time world freestyle aerobatics champion leads the Bandits in a handmade Juka aircraft, while the rest of the performers fly Yak 50s.

Others include the RAAF Roulettes, Paul Bennet’s Sky Aces and Australia’s Russian Roolettes.

www.airshow.com.au