AVALON 2017

[Charl]

Not strictly NZ Aviation, but we had a Hercules there...

Went to Avalon 2017 Airshow, to see the F-35, and there it was, one of a pair flown in specially for the event. They were pulled out of a very busy test schedule, and came via Hawaii and Guam, doing a little air to air refuelling practice along the way.



Photos I’m sorry to say, were all taken on the phone. Despite best efforts in post-production, that is what they remain: phonephotos. But I was determined to see the show live, not through a viewfinder!
It’s not the world’s best looker for sure, it is a bit porky about the middle. A carry-over of the requirements for the VTOL F-35B perhaps, and its fat RR lift fan?



But what made the trip entirely worthwhile was the time spent chatting with ground and aircrew, who were friendly and attentive to the visitors.
These guys especially impressed:



When you are a test pilot in a programme of serious international significance, you belong to a small club: the very best of the best. They chatted with no self-importance about what they were tasked with, and some of the problems they encountered along the way. They are presently focussed on fusing sensor data: the jet has a whole raft of cameras, IR sensors, radar and other bits which generate information. The aim is to collate it and present it on the helmet display (there is no HUD) so the pilot has the best possible situational awareness. Cool fact: if there’s a SAM launch you can look down between your knees, and see it coming!



It did fly some circuits; it is not cleared to the design envelope and so rather apologetically was limited in what it could show.
I can vouch that the noise from that fat engine when made to glow like a coal, is absolutely deafening…

There’s some YT video of it here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLQMDXMFUJ0

[Ian Warren]

Well least if you can't see it come then your going to hear it

[Splitpin]

Charl .... Thank you for taking the time ... great post.

More ??

[deeknow]

super COOL charl, thanks for sharing

[Charl]

Thanks guys... I do have some more bits to share, and will drop them in here over the next few days...



Superhornet, Legacy Hornet… and Growler.
Interesting to compare the “analogue” planes’ flight behaviour with the Fly by Wire later gen planes: FBW clearly doesn’t fly a “path” the way older ones do. You can mush about the sky, flip over, flat spin… the computer does different things with the flight surfaces for a given manoeuvre, depending on speed, attitude etc.
The Growler doesn’t look that different, but it is the Heavyweight. It will sit there and conduct its net-centric electronic war, and shoot you down in a dogfight while at it.
A true Future Aircraft - the F-35-C must be looking anxiously over its expensive shoulder at this thing.

[Ian Warren]

On top of the photo's you are showing us , I really do like the way you have presented them , so fresh , just Superb

One thing I really did notice .. little crowd about ...

[Aviator 1]

Very nice

[Charl]

Cheers, chaps...

.. little crowd about

I waited my turn, then shouted "Wow, look there!" while pointing randomly at the sky.
Then made a beeline for the display

Avalon is a huge airshow, biggest in the southern hemisphere. Attendance figures are 200,000+
But the venue easily absorbs the crowd.



There’s a lot to see: I missed most of the GA, and many defence exhibits. I smiled at Lockheed Martin (you may have heard of them) – absolutely packed with folk trying out a serious-looking simpit. Oh, and blessedly air-conditioned.
If you wanted to see the flying as well, you’d need three full days.

The Australian Defence Force is working through Plan Jericho which aims to “enable the delivery of greater effect through shared awareness and collaborative action.” So the Air Force is upgrading its hardware to become a 5th generation force, able to connect with the other defence elements. Some examples:
You start with any ole B737, then add some bomb bays and bits, and you get a P8 Poseidon (Top Right). The RNZAF is having a serious look at this as a P3 replacement. It would be like replacing a fly swatter with a 10 pound hammer…



The joys of flightsimming, you get to try out the state of the art stuff when it’s still only being thought of! Some years ago I made a P8 flightsim clip which for some reason got 10,000 hits:

Watch on youtube.com

Now things get serious when you buy a Wedgetail (Botton Right in above pic).
Where the P8 can deal with anything on or in the high seas, Wedgetail is master of the airspace. From here you control the elements of the air war.
The “Air Power in Action” theme was well presented by an hour-long display of the various air elements. Avalon was supposedly overrun by Bad Guys.
Between Air Force, Army and Navy elements under integrated Command and Control, they were thoroughly Seen Off!
The ADF weapons easily place it in an aggressor role, here are Army Tiger attack helo’s, and Navy MH60.



I came away impressed, and not a little awed.
I suspect that might have been the plan.

Next up: The Visitors

[Ian Warren]

.. little crowd about

I waited my turn, then shouted "Wow, look there!" while pointing randomly at the sky.
Then made a beeline for the display

Figured as much .. great plan agent 86

Avalon is a huge airshow, biggest in the southern hemisphere. Attendance figures are 200,000+
But the venue easily absorbs the crowd.

Wait till ya get a snap rain storm .. display tents 1 - 2 and 3 really budge at the seems ! and

[K5054NZ]

Thanks for sharing your photos and experience Charl, the F-35 especially. How cool to chat with the crew!

[emfrat]

The F-35 looks a spiffy little thing - for some reason it puts me in mind of the old Chippie