RAAF wows Illawarra air-show crowds

The might of Australian military aviation was on show at the 2022 Wings Over Illawarra Air Show, held at Shellharbour Airport, NSW, over the weekend of November 12-13.

CAPTION: A Royal Australian Air Force C-130J Hercules at the Wings Over Illawarra air show 2022. Story by Flight Lieutenant Nicholas O’Connor. Photo by Leading Aircraftman Chris Tsakisiris.

A vast array of flying and static displays thrilled the crowd of more than 35,000 people who flocked to the Illawarra region to attend the breathtaking two-day event.

100 Squadron Commanding Officer Wing Commander Philip Beanland said participating in the Air Show gave the Royal Australian Air Force an opportunity to engage with the community.

“There was a really good mix of aircraft, old and new, on display,” Wing Commander Beanland said.

“Showcasing to the public – especially the next generation – provides awareness of what we do every day in the ADF.

“Who knows – some of the younger members of the crowd may one day become aviators of the future.”

CAPTION: From left, Joseph, Daniel, Tim and Brooklyn from the Edmund Rice College check out the DHC-4 Caribou.

Highlights of the air show included a high-speed aerial display from an F-35A Lightning II as well as the historic 100 Squadron aircraft which flew in from Point Cook and Temora Aviation Museums.

“The RAAF Roulettes once again proved to be a crowd favourite with a jaw-dropping six-ship flying display,” Wing Commander Beanland said.

Exciting and cutting-edge ground-based attractions which piqued air show patrons’ interest included:

• RAAF’s C-130J Hercules, Pilatus PC-21, Air Force Drone Racing Team and the Air Force Balloon
• Navy’s Airbus EC135 helicopter and unmanned aircraft systems
• Army’s Bushmaster protected mobility vehicle and the Army Drone Racing Team

There were also flight simulators, military working dog demonstrations and Air Force Band live performances.

Supporting Wings Over Illawarra provided not only the Royal Australian Air Force, but the entire ADF, with the opportunity to showcase its capabilities and meet thousands of aviation enthusiasts.

CAPTION: The RAAF Roulettes Aerobatic Display Team sign autographs for the community.

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CONTACT believes RAAF is deliberately dropping ‘Royal Australian’ from its name – despite Defence assuring us it isn’t true. To aid in preventing this name-change-by-stealth, we have ‘repaired’ several references appropriately in this official story. See here for more details

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