From Fighter Jets To Spitfires At Ohakea Air Show

Australian Air Force fighter jets, French and US military transport and patrol aircraft and New Zealand’s newest helicopters are among the aircraft that will join warbirds of yesteryear at the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) Air Show next month.

The RNZAF today released a detailed list of participating aircraft at the event. Major international Air Forces including the French Armed Forces of New Caledonia; Republic of Singapore Air Force; Royal Air Force; Royal Australian Air Force; United States Air Force, and United States Marine Corps will join the Royal New Zealand Air Force to showcase superb flying and ground displays at Ohakea Air Base on Saturday 31 March.

The Royal Australian Air Force F-18s will provide some spectacular fighter jet flying displays. They will also display a Wedgetail airborne early warning and control aircraft, and a C-130J Hercules.

The French Armed Forces of New Caledonia will showcase their CASA 235 twin-engine transport aircraft and the Republic of Singapore Air Force will display one of their C-130. The United States Air Force will bring a C-17 Globemaster, and the US Marine Corps will have on display a KC-130 Hercules air-to-air refuelling aircraft. The RNZAF will showcase its new A109 and NH90 helicopters, the upgraded C-130 Hercules and P-3 Orions, and our other military aircraft. The Red Checkers will also demonstrate their aerial expertise.

In addition, a stunning range of civilian and vintage aircraft, including Spitfires and a Mustang will be present to help mark 75 years of the RNZAF.

AIRCRAFT ON DISPLAY AND AT THE AIR SHOW:

RNZAF Aircraft                                                                   International Aircraft
Flying Displays:                                                                 Flying and Static Displays:
     Red Checkers                                                                    Royal Australian Air Force F-18A Hornet
     Boeing 757                                                                         United States Air Force C-17
     Kiwi Blue Parachute Team
     C -130 Hercules                                                          Static Displays:
     P-3K Orion                                                                         Royal Australian Air Force B737 Wedgetail
     UH-1H Iroquois                                                                 Royal Australian Air Force C-17
     SH-2G Seasprite                                                              Royal Australian Air Force C-130J
     A109 LUH                                                                          Singapore Air Force C-130
     B200 King                                                                           Air FRANC CASA 235
     US Marine Corps KC-130
Static Displays:
     NH90
     Upgraded C-130 Hercules

Historic Flight Tiger Moth, Harvard and Sioux

Civilian Aircraft
Flying and Static Displays:
Anson Auster Avenger
Beaver Beech Texan Bristol Fighter
Corsair Dakota Gyrocopters
Harvards Hunter Kittyhawk (x2)
Mustang MX2 PAC750XL
Pfalz Spitfire (x2) Strikemaster
Thunder Mustang Vampire Yaks


75th Anniversary

April 2012 marks 75 years of service to New Zealand for the Air Force as an independent armed service.

While the Air Force becomes a modern 21st century Air Force with the introduction of new and upgraded aircraft fleets, 75 years provides the milestone for New Zealand to celebrate the RNZAF’s proud heritage and culture and showcase the work our Air Force has done and the role our airmen and women play in this country and the region.

Just as it has met the challenges of the past 75 years, New Zealand’s Air Force today is well equipped to meet the challenges of the coming decades.

For further information visit www.airforce.mil.nz

To buy tickets go to www.eventfinder.co.nz and search Air Force Air Show