war birds @ wanaka south island new zealand

[Tony Smith]

The Viet Nam scenario was also good to watch (particularly out on the Gun Line 50m from the Runway!) Note the MLU Lurker on the left of the picture Have you registered yet, Mr B Jnr?

I don't understand how the A37 Dragonfly was able to deliver the Napalm before it even got to the target? Must have a word to the Pyro's.

[Tony Smith]

But for me, one of the REAL highlights of the show was the live firing display by a P40N Kittyhawk. For the FIRST TIME EVER in the world, a Civil owned Warbird was fitted with 6 fully functioning .50cal Browning Machine Guns and made several firing passes (Firing blank rounds, of course! ) As an added bonus, the Aircraft was painted up in Australian Pacific theatre markings, and just like at Milne Bay in 1942, almost as soon as it got off the ground it was firing away, all guns blazing. Despite "only" using blanks, the 6 guns could together manage to chew through 3,600 rounds per minute, and that is a whole lotta .50cal brass falling from the sky! With each one of them catching the sunlight as they tumbled down, it made for a damn fine sight and sound.
There are a couple of Vids of this display on YouTube, but I can't seem to embed them or link them to this post. Just search for Wanaka P40 2008".
Here's some pics of the Plane loading up, not quite "The Whole Nine Yards" (that was the length of Ammunition belt in a P51 Mustang), but quite a sting just the same. The load of ammo for one display cost NZ$2,500! Why worry about fuel costs?

[zemsi]

... here you go, Tony

Video 17sec

Ripper Sound , a pitty they don't do it in Duxford.

The embedded video doesn't work Don't know why.... And utube is very slow from my end of the world...

[zemsi]

... are the F111's from the Aussie or Kiwi Air Force? I was told at VP-Day 2005 in Canberra that the Aussies are the only ones who still operate them

[Stuart Kirkham]

Originally Posted by zemsi

I was told at VP-Day 2005 in Canberra that the Aussies are the only ones who still operate them

Yes zemsi, that is correct. Unfortunately they are to be retired in the near future.

[Tony Smith]

Originally Posted by Zemsi

Are the F111's Aussie Air Force?

Originally Posted by Tommy K

Yes zemsi, that is correct. Unfortunately they are to be retired in the near future.

Some would say not before time. The F111's airframes are in some cases older than the Pilot's Fathers!
None the less, there very few aircraft in the world with the range and capability that "The Pig" has, and they certainly continue to impress at displays.

Quote:
"The F-111 is a twin-engine swing-wing aircraft. It can take off and land at relatively low speeds with the wings swept forward, then fly at more than twice the speed of sound with its wings tucked back. It can fly close to the ground at supersonic speeds, following the terrain to avoid detection.

It can strike day or night in any weather. Its Pave Tack targeting system can locate targets at night and in bad weather and provides laser designation for laser-guided weapons. The radar warning system detects incoming radar emissions and alerts the crew to potential surface or air attacks.

It is affectionately known as the 'Pig' for its ability to hunt at night with its nose in the weeds, thanks to its terrain-following radar.

Highly controversial during its development, the F-111 is even better today than when it was introduced to our Air Force in 1968. With numerous airframe, engine, weapons and avionics upgrades, the F-111 remains the fastest and longest ranging combat aircraft in the Asia-Pacific."

[Lynn Eades]

Swiss Chris, Helengrad effectively disolved our Air Farce!
.......but we do have a few hang glider enthusiasts.....and there was a farmer here with a couple of Migs