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ADF shows support of Wings Over Illawarra

written by Hannah Dowling | November 26, 2021

Two FA-18AB Hornet aircraft conduct a fly-past over the Townsville Strand in Townsville, Queensland, during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2021. (Lauren Larking Defence)

The Australian Defence Force is gearing up to provide a range of static and flight displays at the 2021 Wings Over Illawarra air show at Albion Park Regional Airport this Saturday and Sunday.

The Royal Australian Air Force will be showcasing a range of its aircraft, including parts of its F-35A Lighting Strike II, F/A-18B Classic Hornet, Hawk 127, C-130J Hercules fleets, and the Air Force Balloon.

The RAAF will also be bringing along a range of historical aircraft from No. 100 Squadron, for attendees to view.

Meanwhile, Army will be showcasing its 2nd Division capability, while Navy will be bringing its maritime helicopters, Defence said.

Attendees of the Wings Over Illawarra air show will also have the opportunity to test their skills in the Naval Aviation Prospects Scheme flight simulator.

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Air Vice-Marshal Joe Iervasi, Air Commander Australia said Defence is thrilled to be supporting the Wings Over Illawarra air show in 2021.

“We are bringing a range of ADF capabilities to display to the public and are particularly looking forward to showcasing exciting careers available within Defence,” Air Vice-Marshal Iervasi said.

“We [are] very much looking forward to interacting with the general public and providing an insight into our capabilities over the weekend.”

The air displays are scheduled from 11am to 4pm on both Saturday, 27 November and Sunday, 28 November.

Wings Over Illawarra is returning after being cancelled last year and will now take place from 27-28 November in Illawarra on the NSW south coast, just over an hour south of Sydney.

Meanwhile, the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS) Aviation Museum will be placing 50 heritage aircraft out on display for the air show.

HARS will be exhibiting various types of Australian aircraft, including the Super Constellation “Connie”, which arrived in Australia in 1991 for restoration, a former Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Neptune 273 – ordered by Australia in 1951 – and a former Vietnam War RAAF Caribou, first ordered in 1963 to replace its existing Dakota aircraft.

“It’s not just a case of displaying Australia’s aviation heritage which makes HARS Aviation Museum special for visitors from around the world, but that many still operate and fly that sets the experience apart,” said HARS in a statement.

Other Navy Heritage aircraft on display will include Sea Fury, Sea Venom, former Queen’s Flight Dakota – which is under restoration – a Wessex helicopter and trackers.

HARS president Bob De La Hunty said some onboard visits will be available for a $5 donation for adults and a gold coin donation for children.

A Tracker 844 is also set to do a wing fold demonstration alongside visiting Corsair and Avenger aircraft, the museum said.

Others include the Boeing 747-400, Connie (when not flying), PBY Catalina, Neptune 281, DC-3 / C-47 Dakotas, the swing-wing F-111, Mirage fighter, Sabre jet, a DC-4 in Qantas 1950s livery, Convair, Fokker Friendship F27, the Southern Cross II and a Wingeel, according to HARS.

An engine run by HARS former Neptune 273, which will also be on display, is slated to fly during the WOI.

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Comment (1)

  • Ricky Coombs

    says:

    Fantastico I’m heading down to the Gong as the sun is out. In my opinion it is the best Airshow in the land of Oz . The ready access to the exhibits & the friendly volunteers make it a stunning example of how an Airshow should be be run. ??

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