What to expect at Avalon 2023

Attendees will have access to a range of complimentary and paid conferences held by speakers from organisations including the RAAF, the Australian International Aerospace Congress, Australian Industry Defence Network and more. The show places a heavy focus on military aviation, featuring aircraft used by the RAAF, other wings of the ADF and the defence forces of Australia’s allies. Some notable aircraft set to make an appearance at the show include:

F-35A Lightning II (RAAF)

At the time of going to print, the RAAF now has 54 F-35s, of a final fleet of 72 that are expected to be complete by the end of the year. Many attendees will still never have seen our first fifth-generation fighter, but each is wonder to see in person. Avalon will be its biggest and most notable display since it achieved initial operational capability two years ago — so expect something special.

Supermarine Spitfire MK XVI (100 Squadron)

Built at Vickers Armstrong’s Castle Bromwich ‘shadow factory’ in 1944, this Supermarine Spitfire MK XVI is an example of the last major version of the Spitfire to be powered by the infamous Rolls-Royce Merlin engine. They were used as fighter bombers in late WWII until production ended in August 1945 alongside the end of the war.

Kawasaki C-2 (Japan Air Self-Defense Force)

The C-2 is Japan’s domestically developed transport plane, comparable to aircraft like the Airbus A-400M. It was first deployed in 2017 as an upgrade to the Kawasaki C-1, able to carry four times the payload, and boasts six times the range.

F-22 Raptor (U.S. Air Force)

Despite being produced since 1996, the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor is the U.S. Air Force’s Air Dominance stealth fighter, designed to be the ultimate in air superiority. Where the F-35 is considered the most advanced multi-role fighter, the F-22 Raptor dominates air combat.

Apache AH-64D/E (U.S. Army)

Considered the most advanced combat helicopter in the world, the Boeing Apache is a powerful air support tool used by the U.S. Army, as well as the Israeli Air Force, Egyptian Air Force and more. The main role of the Apache is to destroy tanks and heavily armoured vehicles, making use of Hellfire missiles and a 30mm chain gun.

In addition, the show will for the first time feature an air display by the Republic of Korea Air Force’s Black Eagles aerobatic team. Eight Korea Aerospace Industries KAI T-50B Golden Eagle supersonic advanced jet trainer aircraft will feature in the display. This is the first time that the Republic of Korea Air Force has attended the show, representing a growing relationship between it and Australia.

“The Airshow 2023 team is honoured that the first Black Eagles display ever seen in Australia will be at our event,” said the Avalon Airshow 2023 chief executive officer Justin Gidding. “The Black Eagles are well known internationally for their professional display performance and distinctive aircraft that have not been seen in Australia before. The Black Eagles will add a new level of interest and spectacle for aviation enthusiasts at Airshow 2023.”

Finally, the Avalon 2023 Innovation program will showcase and highlight Australian individuals and companies who are advancing the aviation and aerospace industry through the Innovation Awards and Pitchfest. Taking place on March 1, Pitchfest invites individuals and businesses to take part in three-minute pitches that allow them to showcase their work and research. The Avalon Airshow site says the three-minute pitches must demonstrate:

• Uniqueness and novelty (i.e. your innovation)
• Application or end goal of the innovation

Where future collaboration may be of benefit (and with whom)

Applications for Pitchfest are now closed. Tickets for Avalon Airshow are on sale now, with three-day passes for the full show costing $594 at full price. Resale tickets can be found at lower rates.
For more information, visit airshow.com.au