Patrick Durrant and Katherine Ziesing | Avalon
The 13th biennial Avalon International Airshow certainly upped the ante in all respects last week with star appearances from the EA-18G Growler and the F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter.
A pair of F-22 Raptors, part of a small contingent currently engaged in an Enhanced Air Cooperation Activity with the RAAF out of Tindal, were a huge crowd pleaser, and there were also regular demonstrations during the trade show by F/A-18 Classics and a Super Hornet Rhino.
Industry was also on hand to display the latest wares, with the presence of some aircraft revealing a deeper intent. Airbus is pitching its A400M Atlas for a NZ C-130H Hercules replacement and Boeing had transported an AH64E Apache all the way from the US (coutesy of an Antonov AN-124) as it manoeuvres to offer an alternative to the ARH Tiger replacement program, due to kick off in the mid 2020s.
Team 21 showcased the first two PC-21s to be delivered under Air 5428 (see Katherine Ziesing's story) for the RAAF's new pilot training program at East Sale.
Some big announcements included the KC-30A MRTT achieving FOC and a partnership with Airbus to develop future capability for the platform.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, news regarding the F-35 program was particularly upbeat, and it was clear the emphasis has shifted from ‘getting the program sold’ towards getting the aircraft into service with full capability as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Unmanned Aerial Systems played a big part in this year's show, with both IAI's Heron TP and GA-ASI's MQ-9 Reaper both on display as contenders for Project Air 7003 (Armed Remote Piloted Aircraft System). Future Defence requirements being considered were also represented with Northrop Grumman's full-scale MQ-4C Triton and MQ-8C FireScout models in attendance. The Australian Association for Unmanned Systems (AAUS) hosted the ‘Transforming Australia with Drone Technology’ conference during the show, with a focus on the growth and utility of unmanned aerial systems for both military and civilian applications.
Air Mobility Group was there in force with a C-27J Spartan, C-130J Hercules and C-17 Globemaster III all lined up on the flightline. The P-8A also made its Avalon debut with an Orion nearby. Almost every single RAAF platform was on show either on the static line or in the air.
ADM Comment: This Avalon was the best demonstration yet of what the Air Force is doing to transform itself into a truly fifth generation force. Yes, the range of new platforms on show, many making their Avalon debut, was impressive but the principles underpinning the show were more so. Plan Jericho is making great strides in the two years it has been in operation. The early engagement of industry, the adoption of new thinking and technologies into existing structures and confirmation that innovation at every level is key were all apparent.
The release of the Chief of Air Force's new strategy confirms that Air Force is providing the high level strategy supported by bottom up innovation. Combined with RAAF operations in the Middle East, the Air Force is in fine form on a number of fronts.