RAAF to debut new aircraft at Yealands Classic Fighters 2017

Image: Commonwealth of Australia Department of Defence

28 February 2017

Royal Australian Air Force to debut new aircraft at Yealands Classic Fighters 2017

C-27J Spartan’s first public outing to be at Omaka Aerodrome

Blenheim, NZ: We are excited to announce that the Royal Australian Air Force have confirmed their participation in the Yealands Classic Fighters Air Show 2017. They will be presenting their new C-27J Spartan battlefield air lifter which is equipped with missile warning systems, electronic self-protection and battlefield armour allowing them to operate freely in high-threat environments.

The RAAF have supported Classic Fighters previously, demonstrating the now decommissioned DHC-4 Caribou for the 2007 and 2009 shows. The C-27J which replaces the Caribou fills out the RAAF’s air transport capabilities alongside the C-17A Globemaster and C-130J Hercules.

David Bamfield, Yealands Classic Fighters Committee Member and former Air Vice-Marshal said that “it is particularly thrilling to welcome the RAAF back to Omaka. The C27J has not been to New Zealand before but we are hoping that it will soon become a regular sight in our skies, especially at Omaka in much the same fashion as the Caribou once was”.

This aircraft will improve the RAAF’S ability to move people, equipment and supplies in Australia and the Pacific region. With the capacity to carry significant loads and still land on airstrips which are not suited for the Hercules, the Spartan will undertake a range of missions from delivering ammunition to front line troops to undertaking aero-medical evacuation of casualties.

About Yealands Classic Fighters Omaka: Held every alternate Easter the airshow is the main fundraising event for the Omaka Aviation Heritage Museum, located in Blenheim, Marlborough NZ.

The next show is 14-16 April 2017 and tickets are available now at www.classicfighters.co.nz

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