Going to be noisy here tomorrow

GTX · October 20, 2011, 03:32:08 AM

http://www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au/community/open-discussion/rhino-super-hornet-mass-flypast-33798.html

wagnersm · October 20, 2011, 03:52:38 AM

Enjoy the show.

Take pictures!!!

PR19_Kit · October 20, 2011, 05:28:42 AM

And here we are on the opposite side of the world!

rickshaw · October 20, 2011, 09:31:56 PM

Speaking of which, the media has just reported that the Government has announce the upgrade to Growler standard of the Super-Hornets is to go ahead.

GTX · October 21, 2011, 01:26:22 AM

Quote from: rickshaw on October 20, 2011, 09:31:56 PM
Speaking of which, the media has just reported that the Government has announce the upgrade to Growler standard of the Super-Hornets is to go ahead.

I haven't heard that one. Given the typical media lack of checking facts, I wonder if they are simply misreporting the fact that 12 are already wired as Growlers?

Photos will come shortly. Mean while, if you search 20 Super Hornet Flypast into YouTube you will find quite a few videos of the day. Here is one that actually has me in it (not that you can see me - I am on the base right next to the taxiway):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A38HrZVmrRY

Not shown is the single aircraft aerobatic demo one did.

regards,

Greg

PR19_Kit · October 21, 2011, 03:18:59 AM

There's a CANBERRA in the background behind one of the F-18s! It's around 0:41 in the time line. What's that doing there and does it fly etc?

rickshaw · October 21, 2011, 03:48:22 AM

Quote from: GTX on October 21, 2011, 01:26:22 AM
Quote from: rickshaw on October 20, 2011, 09:31:56 PM
Speaking of which, the media has just reported that the Government has announce the upgrade to Growler standard of the Super-Hornets is to go ahead.

I haven't heard that one. Given the typical media lack of checking facts, I wonder if they are simply misreporting the fact that 12 are already wired as Growlers?

I saw the report in The Australian earlier this week but can't find it now. They were quoting a figure of $Au300 million. I think they are announcing that the decision to go ahead and have them actually converted to EA-18Gs, rather than remain "wired for but not with", the ECM systems.

GTX · October 21, 2011, 12:01:55 PM

Quote from: PR19_Kit on October 21, 2011, 03:18:59 AM
There's a CANBERRA in the background behind one of the F-18s! It's around 0:41 in the time line. What's that doing there and does it fly etc?

Damn, you found the secret RAAF PR-9...

Nah, it's a non-flying one that is part of the museum there IIRC. Currently being restored I think. There are also Caribous, DC-3s and a heap of F-111s amongst other things.

PR19_Kit · October 21, 2011, 12:10:01 PM

Quote from: GTX on October 21, 2011, 12:01:55 PM
Damn, you found the secret RAAF PR-9...

Nah, it's a non-flying one that is part of the museum there IIRC. Currently being restored I think. There are also Caribous, DC-3s and a heap of F-111s amongst other things.

Thanks for that Greg, good to know there's at least one left down under.

As for an RAAF PR9, that sounds WELL modelable!

GTX · October 21, 2011, 12:12:11 PM

Here's one that shows the solo demo - was much more impressive standing immediately below though!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCFrS-21ZQI

GTX · October 21, 2011, 12:17:53 PM

Quote from: PR19_Kit on October 21, 2011, 12:10:01 PM
Quote from: GTX on October 21, 2011, 12:01:55 PM
Damn, you found the secret RAAF PR-9...

Nah, it's a non-flying one that is part of the museum there IIRC. Currently being restored I think. There are also Caribous, DC-3s and a heap of F-111s amongst other things.

Thanks for that Greg, good to know there's at least one left down under.

As for an RAAF PR9, that sounds WELL modelable!

There's actually a couple - one is under a special cover at the front gate:

PR19_Kit · October 21, 2011, 12:27:10 PM

That DOES look smart, I wish I wasn't 12000 miles away!

MilitaryAircraft101 · October 21, 2011, 04:12:42 PM

Quote from: PR19_Kit on October 20, 2011, 05:28:42 AM
And here we are on the opposite side of the world!

Don't worry, you've still got Duxford, RIAT...

Speaking of Aussie airshows, earlier this year I attended the Avalon show! Pretty amazing, those Raptors were beaut! And there's another Canberra in oz,

Thorvic · October 22, 2011, 12:34:10 AM

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/defence/raaf-fighter-bombers-to-become-growlers/story-e6frg8yo-1226170085768

Thats where the Growler rumour is coming from, actually ordering the kits to convert some of those wired aircraft to Growler configuration.

Take it that next year is when we find out if additional F-18 E/F are to be ordered to cover the shortfall in capability by the extended development of the operational F-35A ?

GTX · October 22, 2011, 12:46:03 AM

As I suspected, this doesn't actually state that the aircraft are being fitted out as Growlers. It simply still refers to the possibility to do so. Personally, I believe it will happen and would welcome it occurring. I also believe the aircraft, at least in Growler configuration, will stay in service well beyond the tentative planned 10 yr mark.