ADF revs up the crowd at Adelaide 500

The ADF provided a crowd-pleasing display at the Adelaide 500, the season finale of the Repco Supercars Championship, from November 14-17.

CAPTION: The Air Force Roulettes perform a handling display at the 2024 VAILO Adelaide 500 in Adelaide, South Australia. Story by Flight Lieutenant Robert Cochran. Photos by Aircraftwoman Halley Van Essen.

An F/A-18F Super Hornet from 1 Squadron, and the legendary Roulettes PC-21 aerobatics team wowed the crowd with a series of aerial displays.

Roulette leader Squadron Leader Lachlan Hazeldine said they were excited to be at the Adelaide 500 Supercars as a team for the first time in the PC-21.

“Adelaide is a great display venue and we always receive a fantastic welcome here,” he said.

CAPTION: The Air Force Roulettes perform a handling display at the 2024 VAILO Adelaide 500 in Adelaide, South Australia.

Army showcased its new national advanced surface-to-air missile system, designed to deliver enhanced force protection capability against airborne threats, as well as drones and cruise missiles.

An M1A1 Abrams main battle tank, Australian light armoured vehicle and Bushmaster were also on show.

CAPTION: Australian Army Band – Adelaide members display their talent during a roaming performance at the 2024 VAILO Adelaide 500 in Adelaide, South Australia.

Personnel from ADF Careers promoted job opportunities on offer across Navy, Army and Air Force and the Army Band entertained spectators between races.

Operations and concerts manager for the race Brian Gleeson said Defence’s presence had become an essential ingredient to the event’s overall success.

“The support and participation with the ADF providing Army, Navy and RAAF displays and personnel on the ground in a dedicated ADF display zone has now become one of the most popular destinations for the Adelaide 500 event patrons,” Mr Gleeson said.

“Each year the Army provides vehicles to participate in an on-track parade, giving race fans the chance to experience these vehicles in action.”

He said it was also an opportunity to promote Defence as an employer of choice, especially to young South Australians.

“On the Thursday of the event, over 3000 school students visit the ADF display zone,” Mr Gleeson said.

“The ADF and the team at the Adelaide 500 work closely to support recruitment and awareness for career opportunities in the ADF.”

Mr Gleeson said Air Force’s flying displays, especially the thunderous performances by the fast jet, were crowd favourites and key to setting the event’s fast-paced atmosphere.

“The Super Hornet certainly announces that the Adelaide 500 is in town,” he said.

“For South Australians, the only chance they will get each year to see, experience and hear a RAAF aerial display is at the Adelaide 500.

“The fast-jet display on the Saturday and Sunday brings the event to a standstill with patrons looking to the sky.

“With all seven Roulettes returning in 2024, precision flying is a main feature on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

“The RAAF aerial displays are televised nationally and are a major feature of the event’s promotion of South Australia.”

The four-day event attracted more than 260,000 spectators.

CAPTION: A Tailem Bend Primary School student dons a helmet while sitting on an Australian Light Armoured Vehicle at the ADF display zone

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