Feel the Power

Three anniversaries were celebrated at the 2011 Airshow: the RAAF's 90th birthday, the 75th anniversary of the Supermarine Spitfire's first flight (which occurred on 5 March, the Saturday of the show), and the fact that 2011 was the 10th presentation of the Airshow itself! The RAAF's birthday was the centrepiece of the show - and it was celebrated in style with most current assets either in the air or on static display, supported by a good number of warbirds and other historic aircraft which had been part of the RAAF's rich heritage over nine decades. The RAAF's new combat aircraft, the F/A-18F Super Hornet, made its Avalon debut to the gasps and acclaim of the watching crowds!