Classic flyers mix with modern jets

Aircraft from the ‘Classics in the Sky' Tauranga City Airshow are set to join some of the world's top military aircraft in a ‘modern world meets history' spectacular next month.

Tauranga-based aircraft, such as the Hawker Hunter and Dragonfly, are invited to attend the Royal New Zealand Air Force's 75th Anniversary Air Show in Ohakea on March 31.


A Royal Australian Air Force F-18 will take part in the Ohakea Air Show.

Classic Flyers director Andrew Gormlie says preparations are underway for Tauranga based aircraft to attend the event and hopes the two jets will be among them.

'We think they will be attending, but it is not confirmed yet.

'It will depend on things like availability and airplane serviceability.

'We are certainly intending to go, we have had an invite for as many as we like, but we haven't rounded up who is definitely going yet.”

He says Tauranga-based aircraft likely to attend include a Harvard, CT4, Dominie, and potentially the Hawker Hunter and Dragonfly jets.

'If the jets go they will probably display, that will be only if the RNZAF wants something to display, they call for what they like.”


The Hawker Hunter.

'Something like the Dominie will probably display too,” says Andrew.

'I am imagining at least three of our aircraft will be down there.

'We are even thinking of sending the Stearmans down, which is quite a slow, arduous trip, but that is something you will make a call on, on the day as it is very weather dependant.”


Two Boeing Stearmans.

These aircraft will join the Royal New Zealand Air Force military aircraft from the past, present and future on display for the first time since 2009.

RNZAF Air Commodore Steve Moore says there will also be a range of civilian and vintage aircraft, including Spitfires and a Mustang, to mark the 75 years anniversary.

'The RNZAF will showcase its new A109 and NH90 helicopters, the upgraded C-130 Hercules and P-3 Orions, and other military aircraft. The Red Checkers will also demonstrate their aerial expertise,” says Steve.

'It's the perfect way to celebrate the Royal New Zealand Air Force's birthday.”

People queue to tour the inside of a revamped RNZAF C130 Hercules at the Tauranga City Airshow.

Major international air forces including the French Armed Forces of New Caledonia, Republic of Singapore Air Force, Royal Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force, United States Air Force, and United States Marine Corps will join the Royal New Zealand Air Force to showcase superb flying and ground displays.

The Royal Australian Air Force F-18s will provide some spectacular fighter jet flying displays, rarely seen in New Zealand.

They will also display a C-130J Hercules and a Wedgetail airborne early warning and control aircraft.

The United States Air Force will bring a C-17 Globemaster while Singapore's Air Force will display one of their C-130 while the French Armed Forces of New Caledonia will showcase their CASA 235 twin-engine transport aircraft.

In addition, the US Marine Corps will have a KC-130 Hercules air-to-air refuelling aircraft.

Andrew Gormlie says joining such international recognised military craft will be incredible.

'It will be great, to park our gear amongst all of the major military stuff, and the Aussie jets that will be there.

With preparations underway, Andrew says the next step is to round up what aircraft will definitely be attending, and who is capable of taking the aircraft down there.

Andrew says there are also buses being organised to transport people from Tauranga to the event at the air force base in Ohakea, 20km west of Palmerston North.

People interested in attending the event can contact Classic Flyers for more details.

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