After a seven year wait, in May 2012, it was the turn of Western Australia’s RAAF Base Pearce to host the annual Defence Force Air Show.
An estimated 50,000 spectators attended the Air Show over the weekend.
This caused some traffic problems for those who attended. Some who went to the show later in the morning were caught up in lengthy traffic jams – some people were stuck in this traffic for so long that by the time they reached the Base, the gates were closed. Poor traffic management in the base car parks at the end of each day caused problems for those trying to get away early – many people spending four hours stuck in the car park, trying to get out of the air base. Traffic problems aside, the air show contained a number of highlights.
Perhaps the most anticipated aircraft was the US Air Force Boeing B-52H Stratofortress which performed two flypasts each day, flying direct from Guam with air refuelling, and performing a practice bombing mission in the Northern Territory along the way, before returning direct to Guam.
The Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornets of the RAAF’s No.1 Squadron were also a big attraction, with one of these performing a very brief air display to open the military part of the air show.
A four-ship formation of “classic” Hornets (F/A-18A) of 75 Squadron performed some excellent close formation flying, using the name “Black Diamonds”. They also conducted a mock airfield attack, and the pyrotechnic “bomb explosion” started a small bush fire on the Saturday.
The Boeing C-17A Globemaster III of 36 Squadron performed an impressive display, including using reverse thrust from its engines to reverse on the runway, and did a three-point turn on the runway on the Sunday.
A Lockheed AP-3C Orion of 10 Squadron made a spirited display, including demonstrating its ability to loiter with an engine shut down.
The Lockheed C-130H Hercules of 37 Squadron RAAF made what is almost certainly the last air show appearance of the RAAF’s H-model Hercules at an air show on the Sunday. The
C-130H is being retired from RAAF service on 30 June 2012. A C-130J-30 of 37 Squadron was on static display.
The Republic of Singapore Air Force sent one of their recently upgraded C-130H Hercules for the static display, together with a pair of their PC-21 trainers, which are based at Pearce.
The Pearce-based PC-9/A of 2FTS with a solo air display and massed “Thunderbird” formation of 18 PC-9/A. The Hawk 127 Lead In Fighter aircraft of 79 Squadron (also based at Pearce performed a solo display, 4-ship formation display and airfield attack.
On the civilian side, the last Grumman Albatross amphibian aircraft produced was on static display, looking immaculate. This had recently been delivered to Mack McCormack, and will be based at Broome in the north of Western Australia for tourist flights.
A Rebel 300 aerobatic aircraft flown by Tony Blair (not the former British PM) gave a fantastic display of aerobatics and some very low-level passes along the runway.
RAAF PEARCE AIR SHOW 2012 AIRCRAFT LIST – CLICK HERE
RAAF PEARCE AIR SHOW 2012 PHOTOS – PART TWO
This aircraft made two flypasts – one with wheels down, one clean.
It flew from Guam non-stop with air refuelling, and conducted a practice bombing mission over Bradshaw bombing range in Northern Territory along the way, before flying non-stop back to Guam.
Photo © Matt Hayes
This aircraft made two flypasts – one with wheels down, one clean.
It flew from Guam non-stop with air refuelling, and conducted a practice bombing mission over Bradshaw bombing range in Northern Territory along the way, before flying non-stop back to Guam.
Photo © Matt Hayes
This aircraft made two flypasts – one with wheels down, one clean.
It flew from Guam non-stop with air refuelling, and conducted a practice bombing mission over Bradshaw bombing range in Northern Territory along the way, before flying non-stop back to Guam.
Photo © Matt Hayes
NOTE: It has nose art under the cockpit windows – can anyone advise what this is?
This aircraft made two flypasts – one with wheels down, one clean.
It flew from Guam non-stop with air refuelling, and conducted a practice bombing mission over Bradshaw bombing range in Northern Territory along the way, before flying non-stop back to Guam.
Photo © David Eyre
NOTE: It has nose art under the cockpit windows – can anyone advise what this is?
This aircraft made two flypasts – one with wheels down, one clean.
It flew from Guam non-stop with air refuelling, and conducted a practice bombing mission over Bradshaw bombing range in Northern Territory along the way, before flying non-stop back to Guam.
Photo © David Eyre
Used callsign “DECEE99” (DECEE for Washington DC, which is near Andrews AFB) when returning to USA
Photo © Matt Hayes
Used callsign “DECEE99” (DECEE for Washington DC, which is near Andrews AFB) when returning to USA
Photo © Matt Hayes
Used callsign “DECEE99” (DECEE for Washington DC, which is near Andrews AFB) when returning to USA.
Photo © David Eyre
Used callsign “DECEE99” (DECEE for Washington DC, which is near Andrews AFB) when returning to USA.
Photo © David Eyre
Used callsign “DECEE99” (DECEE for Washington DC, which is near Andrews AFB) when returning to USA.
Photo © David Eyre
Used callsign “DECEE99” (DECEE for Washington DC, which is near Andrews AFB) when returning to USA.
Photo © David Eyre
Being towed to the south end after the end of the air show on Sunday 20 May. Used callsign “DECEE99” (DECEE for Washington DC, which is near Andrews AFB) when returning to USA.
Photo © Ian Moy
The Republic of Singapore Air Force acquired the first of ten C-130 Hercules aircraft in 1977, followed from 1980 by six C-130H. 730, the aircraft in this photo, was their first C-130H.
From 2010, ST Aerospace began to modernise the RSAF Hercules fleet with new avionics and a digital glass cockpit, designed in Singapore.
Photo © David Eyre
The Republic of Singapore Air Force acquired the first of ten C-130 Hercules aircraft in 1977, followed from 1980 by six C-130H. 730, the aircraft in this photo, was their first C-130H.
From 2010, ST Aerospace began to modernise the RSAF Hercules fleet with new avionics and a digital glass cockpit, designed in Singapore.
Photo © David Eyre
The Republic of Singapore Air Force acquired the first of ten C-130 Hercules aircraft in 1977, followed from 1980 by six C-130H. 730, the aircraft in this photo, was their first C-130H.
From 2010, ST Aerospace began to modernise the RSAF Hercules fleet with new avionics and a digital glass cockpit, designed in Singapore.
Photo © David Eyre
The Republic of Singapore Air Force acquired the first of ten C-130 Hercules aircraft in 1977, followed from 1980 by six C-130H. 730, the aircraft in this photo, was their first C-130H.
From 2010, ST Aerospace began to modernise the RSAF Hercules fleet with new avionics and a digital glass cockpit, designed in Singapore.
Photo © David Eyre
Taking off to fly in the massed “Thunderbird” formation with RAAF PC-9/A aircraft.
The PC-21 replaced the SIAI-Marchetti S-211 jet trainer in the Republic of Singapore Air Force from June 2008.
The PC-21 is also being offered to the RAAF as a PC-9/A replacement, and there would be benefits if both the RSAF and RAAF operated the type at Pearce.
Photo © Matt Hayes
Taking off to fly in the massed “Thunderbird” formation with RAAF PC-9/A aircraft.
The PC-21 replaced the SIAI-Marchetti S-211 jet trainer in the Republic of Singapore Air Force from June 2008.
The PC-21 is also being offered to the RAAF as a PC-9/A replacement, and there would be benefits if both the RSAF and RAAF operated the type at Pearce.
Photo © Keith Anderson
The PC-21 replaced the SIAI-Marchetti S-211 jet trainer in the Republic of Singapore Air Force from June 2008.
The PC-21 is also being offered to the RAAF as a PC-9/A replacement, and there would be benefits if both the RSAF and RAAF operated the type at Pearce.
Photo © David Eyre
The PC-21 replaced the SIAI-Marchetti S-211 jet trainer in the Republic of Singapore Air Force from June 2008.
The PC-21 is also being offered to the RAAF as a PC-9/A replacement, and there would be benefits if both the RSAF and RAAF operated the type at Pearce.
Photo © David Eyre
The PC-21 replaced the SIAI-Marchetti S-211 jet trainer in the Republic of Singapore Air Force from June 2008.
The PC-21 is also being offered to the RAAF as a PC-9/A replacement, and there would be benefits if both the RSAF and RAAF operated the type at Pearce.
Photo © David Eyre
The PC-21 replaced the SIAI-Marchetti S-211 jet trainer in the Republic of Singapore Air Force from June 2008.
The PC-21 is also being offered to the RAAF as a PC-9/A replacement, and there would be benefits if both the RSAF and RAAF operated the type at Pearce.
Photo © Keith Anderson
The PC-21 replaced the SIAI-Marchetti S-211 jet trainer in the Republic of Singapore Air Force from June 2008.
The PC-21 is also being offered to the RAAF as a PC-9/A replacement, and there would be benefits if both the RSAF and RAAF operated the type at Pearce.
Photo © David Eyre
Taking off to fly in the massed “Thunderbird” formation with RAAF PC-9/A aircraft.
The PC-21 replaced the SIAI-Marchetti S-211 jet trainer in the Republic of Singapore Air Force from June 2008.
The PC-21 is also being offered to the RAAF as a PC-9/A replacement, and there would be benefits if both the RSAF and RAAF operated the type at Pearce.
Photo © Ian Moy
Taking off to fly in the massed “Thunderbird” formation with RAAF PC-9/A aircraft.
The PC-21 replaced the SIAI-Marchetti S-211 jet trainer in the Republic of Singapore Air Force from June 2008.
The PC-21 is also being offered to the RAAF as a PC-9/A replacement, and there would be benefits if both the RSAF and RAAF operated the type at Pearce.
Photo © Matt Hayes
Taking off to fly in the massed “Thunderbird” formation with RAAF PC-9/A aircraft.
The PC-21 replaced the SIAI-Marchetti S-211 jet trainer in the Republic of Singapore Air Force from June 2008.
The PC-21 is also being offered to the RAAF as a PC-9/A replacement, and there would be benefits if both the RSAF and RAAF operated the type at Pearce.
Photo © Matt Hayes
A7-027 made its first flight on 15 August 1968 and was delivered to the RAAF on 22 August 1968. It served with the Central Flying School, the Roulettes aerobatic team and 76 Squadron at Williamtown, NSW.
Upon being replaced by the BAE Systems Hawk, it was retired from service and allocated to 25 (City of Perth) Squadron for promotional purposes. It is normally on display near the main gate to RAAF Base Pearce, but was moved to this hangar for the air show.
Photo © David Eyre
A7-041 made its first flight on 6 March 1969, and was delivered to the RAAF on 19 March 1969.
It served with 2 FTS at Pearce and the Central Flying School and Roulettes aerobatic team at East Sale, VIC.
Upon being replaced by BAE Systems Hawk aircraft, it was allocated to RAAF Pearce for promotional purposes.
Photo © David Eyre
On 25 October 1978, A8-141 of 6 Squadron, RAAF was participating in Exercise Longex 78 in New Zealand when it crashed in the Hauracki Gulf, northeast of Waiheke Island near Auckland.
Fuel was being dumped to enable an emergency landing at Whenuapai. but some fuel entered the wheel well and was ignited by a ruptured hot air line, causing an explosion. The two crew ejected safely in the escape module at 2,700 ft and 226 kts. The aircraft was destroyed, and the crew module is all that survived.
Photo © David Eyre
On 25 October 1978, A8-141 of 6 Squadron, RAAF was participating in Exercise Longex 78 in New Zealand when it crashed in the Hauracki Gulf, northeast of Waiheke Island near Auckland.
Fuel was being dumped to enable an emergency landing at Whenuapai. but some fuel entered the wheel well and was ignited by a ruptured hot air line, causing an explosion. The two crew ejected safely in the escape module at 2,700 ft and 226 kts. The aircraft was destroyed, and the crew module is all that survived.
Photo © David Eyre
This aircraft flew twice on the Saturday, reportedly due to the C-130H Hercules A97-007 being unserviceable on Saturday.
It also appeared in the static display on the Sunday and performed a single air display.
The AP-3C demonstrated its ability to loiter with one engine shut down to save fuel, extending time on station or range. It is usually the No. 1 engine (port outer engine) which is shut down, as it is the only engine which has no generator attached, and because it removes exhaust efflux, enhancing visibility from the aft observer window (which is also on the port side).
Ex 160751.
Photo © Steve Jaksic
This aircraft flew twice on the Saturday, reportedly due to the C-130H Hercules A97-007 being unserviceable on Saturday.
It also appeared in the static display on the Sunday and performed a single air display.
The AP-3C demonstrated its ability to loiter with one engine shut down to save fuel, extending time on station or range. It is usually the No. 1 engine (port outer engine) which is shut down, as it is the only engine which has no generator attached, and because it removes exhaust efflux, enhancing visibility from the aft observer window (which is also on the port side).
Ex 160751.
Photo © Matt Hayes
This aircraft flew twice on the Saturday, reportedly due to the C-130H Hercules A97-007 being unserviceable on Saturday.
It also appeared in the static display on the Sunday and performed a single air display.
The AP-3C demonstrated its ability to loiter with one engine shut down to save fuel, extending time on station or range. It is usually the No. 1 engine (port outer engine) which is shut down, as it is the only engine which has no generator attached, and because it removes exhaust efflux, enhancing visibility from the aft observer window (which is also on the port side).
Ex 160751.
Photo © Matt Hayes
This aircraft flew twice on the Saturday, reportedly due to the C-130H Hercules A97-007 being unserviceable on Saturday.
It also appeared in the static display on the Sunday and performed a single air display.
The AP-3C demonstrated its ability to loiter with one engine shut down to save fuel, extending time on station or range. It is usually the No. 1 engine (port outer engine) which is shut down, as it is the only engine which has no generator attached, and because it removes exhaust efflux, enhancing visibility from the aft observer window (which is also on the port side).
Ex 160751.
Photo © Matt Hayes
This aircraft flew twice on the Saturday, reportedly due to the C-130H Hercules A97-007 being unserviceable on Saturday.
It also appeared in the static display on the Sunday and performed a single air display.
The AP-3C demonstrated its ability to loiter with one engine shut down to save fuel, extending time on station or range. It is usually the No. 1 engine (port outer engine) which is shut down, as it is the only engine which has no generator attached, and because it removes exhaust efflux, enhancing visibility from the aft observer window (which is also on the port side).
Ex 160751.
Photo © David Eyre
This aircraft flew twice on the Saturday, reportedly due to the C-130H Hercules A97-007 being unserviceable on Saturday.
It also appeared in the static display on the Sunday and performed a single air display.
The AP-3C demonstrated its ability to loiter with one engine shut down to save fuel, extending time on station or range. It is usually the No. 1 engine (port outer engine) which is shut down, as it is the only engine which has no generator attached, and because it removes exhaust efflux, enhancing visibility from the aft observer window (which is also on the port side).
Ex 160751.
Photo © David Eyre
Photo © David Eyre
Photo © David Eyre
Photo © David Eyre
Photos © David Eyre
Photos © David Eyre
Pulling up steeply during the simulated airfield attack display. The pyrotechnics used to simulate bomb explosions caused a small bushfire, which the fire service quickly extinguished (they were on standby nearby as a safety precaution).
Photo © Matt Hayes
The pyrotechnics used to simulate bomb explosions caused a small bushfire, which the fire service quickly extinguished (they were on standby nearby as a safety precaution).
The large double-deck “aircraft” in the background is actually an airliner mock-up, used by the Australian SAS Counter Terrorism squadron, Tactical Assault Group (West) as an anti-hijacking training aid, to practise airliner entry and hostage rescue.
Photo © Matt Hayes
Performed the solo “classic” Hornet air display, which concluded the air show each day.
Photo © Matt Hayes
Performed the solo “classic” Hornet air display, which concluded the air show each day.
Photo © Matt Hayes
Performed the solo “classic” Hornet air display, which concluded the air show each day.
Photo © Matt Hayes
Performed the solo “classic” Hornet air display, which concluded the air show each day.
Photo © Matt Hayes
Performed the solo “classic” Hornet air display, which concluded the air show each day.
Photo © Keith Anderson
Performed the solo “classic” Hornet air display, which concluded the air show each day.
Photo © Matt Hayes
Performed the solo “classic” Hornet air display, which concluded the air show each day.
Photo © Ian Moy
Landing after the 4-ship formation & simulated airfield attack.
Photo © Keith Anderson
Painted in special 70th anniversary colours, with “75 Squadron – 70 Years” tail markings, with “1942-2012” on Leading Edge eXtension (LEX) fence, and “75 Squadron – 70 Years 1942-2012” and “Once a Magpie Forever a Magpie” on nose gear doors.
Photo © Keith Anderson
Painted in special 70th anniversary colours, with “75 Squadron – 70 Years” tail markings, with “1942-2012” on Leading Edge eXtension (LEX) fence, and “75 Squadron – 70 Years 1942-2012” and “Once a Magpie Forever a Magpie” on nose gear doors.
Photo © David Eyre
Painted in special 70th anniversary colours, with “75 Squadron – 70 Years” tail markings, with “1942-2012” on Leading Edge eXtension (LEX) fence, and “75 Squadron – 70 Years 1942-2012” and “Once a Magpie Forever a Magpie” on nose gear doors.
Photo © Michael Foss
Painted in special 70th anniversary colours, with “75 Squadron – 70 Years” tail markings, with “1942-2012” on Leading Edge eXtension (LEX) fence, and “75 Squadron – 70 Years 1942-2012” and “Once a Magpie Forever a Magpie” on nose gear doors.
Photo © David Eyre
Landing at 14:12 after the practice formation session.
Photo © Keith Anderson
Taking off for the air show.
Photo © Matt Hayes
This was the first of 67 PC-9/A aircraft delivered to the RAAF. The first two aircraft were assembled by Pilatus Aircraft at Stans, Switzerland, and the other 65 were assembled by Hawker de Havilland at Bankstown, NSW.
This particular aircraft made its first flight on 19 May 1987 registered as HB-HQA. It was displayed at the Paris Air Show in June 1987.
It later departed the Pilatus factory at Stans with HB-HQB (which later became A23-002) on the 12,576 mile delivery flight, arriving at Bankstown, NSW on 16 October 1987.
Photo © David Eyre
All of these aircraft took part in the massed “Thunderbird” formation on both Saturday and Sunday afternoons of the air show.
Photo © Matt Hayes
Performing the solo PC-9 display.
Photo © Matt Hayes
Performing the solo PC-9 display.
Photos © Keith Anderson
Performing the solo PC-9 display.
Photos © Keith Anderson
Taxying in after the Roulettes air display.
Photo © Matt Hayes
This aircraft did not fly, as it was the spare aircraft for the Roulettes, in case one of the Roulettes’ aircraft went unserviceable.
Photo © Matt Hayes
Photo © Keith Anderson
Photo © Keith Anderson
Five-aircraft “Wedge” formation – at 15:30 that day, they also performed a display over Cottesloe Beach.
Photo © Keith Anderson
Photo © Keith Anderson
Photo © Matt Hayes
Photo © Matt Hayes
This formation is usually flown whenever a Pilots Course graduates at Pearce.
Aircraft in the formation on both Saturday and Sunday were: A23-003, A23-006, A23-008, A23-010, A23-011, A23-013, A23-017, A23-019, A23-021, A23-024, A23-028, A23-033, A23-040, A23-041, A23-043, A23-053, A23-054, A23-065.
Photo © Matt Hayes
All based at Pearce. On the left are A23-034 and A23-042.
Photo © David Eyre
A27-01 was the first of 33 Hawks delivered to the RAAF – the first 12 were assembled by BAE Systems at Warton in the UK and the remaining 21 were assembled by BAE Systems at Williamtown, NSW.
This aircraft made its first flight using UK serial ZJ632 on 16 December 1999 at Warton, UK, and entered service in 2000.
Photo © Keith Anderson
A27-01 was the first of 33 Hawks delivered to the RAAF – the first 12 were assembled by BAE Systems at Warton in the UK and the remaining 21 were assembled by BAE Systems at Williamtown, NSW.
This aircraft made its first flight using UK serial ZJ632 on 16 December 1999 at Warton, UK, and entered service in 2000.
Photo © David Eyre
This aircraft wears an experimental dark grey scheme to assess whether it provides increased visibility in flight.
Taxying out to perform a solo air display.
Photo © Ian Moy
This aircraft wears an experimental dark grey scheme to assess whether it provides increased visibility in flight.
Taking off to perform a solo air display.
Photo © Matt Hayes
This aircraft wears an experimental dark grey scheme to assess whether it provides increased visibility in flight.
Solo air display.
Photo © Matt Hayes
This aircraft wears an experimental dark grey scheme to assess whether it provides increased visibility in flight.
Solo air display.
Photo © Matt Hayes
Taking off as part of a 4-aircraft formation display and simulated airfield attack.
Photo © Matt Hayes
Taking off for as part of a 4-aircraft formation display and simulated airfield attack.
Photo © Matt Hayes
4-aircraft formation display.
A27-13 (cn DT-13) – wearing 76 Squadron tail markings
A27-17 (cn DT-17) – wearing 76 Squadron tail markings
A27-34 (cn DT-13) of 79 Squadron, RAAF – based at Pearce
A27-07 (cn DT-07) – no tail unit markings.
Photo © Matt Hayes
No unit markings on the tail.
This aircraft took part in the 4-ship formation display and simulated airfield attack.
Photo © Keith Anderson
No unit markings on the tail.
This aircraft took part in the 4-ship formation display and simulated airfield attack.
Photo © Ian Moy
Static display – carrying a blue-painted (i.e. training purposes only) Mk.82 500 lb bomb and instrumented Sidewinder training missile near the wingtip.
Photo © Ian Moy
Static display – carrying a CBLS (Carrier Bomb Light Store) practice bomb carrier.
Photo © David Eyre
Experimental two tone grey camouflage. No unit markings on tail.
Photo © David Eyre
Experimental two tone grey camouflage. No unit markings on tail.
Photo © David Eyre
Experimental two tone grey camouflage. No unit markings on tail.
Photo © David Eyre
Taxying in after the four-aircraft formation display and simulated airfield attack.
Photo © Keith Anderson
RAAF Pearce Air Show Photos continued in part two.
RAAF Pearce Air Show aircraft list
