Katherine Ziesing | Canberra
ADM understands that both AU-1 and AU-2, the first Australian F-35A JSFs, are planning on making their Avalon debut this year.
This of course is subject to availability, but it will be the first time locals will be able to see the jets up close on the static line. Both jets are currently working at Luke Air Force Base as part of the international training pool. The ADF currently has four pilots (all instructors) and four maintainers (three RAAF and one CASG) at Luke undergoing training.
Avalon this year will be a bonanza for plane spotters and aviation enthusiasts with a number of new RAAF platforms making their debut. This includes:
- P-8A
- C-27J Spartans
- F-18G Growlers
- EC135 helicopters for HATS
- PC-21
- F-model Chinooks (to be confirmed)
The foreign military line-up includes the USAF F-22A Raptor, F-16C Viper, and B-1B bomber, and Republic of Singapore Air Force F-15SG, among others. For more information, go to the Avalon Airshow 2017 website.