The Airshow featured three days of aerial demonstrations from August 18-20 including flying displays from the Australian Air Force's F/A-18F Super Hornet

The F/A-18F Super Hornet is a twin-engine, carrier-capable, multirole fighter aircraft developed by Boeing. It is an advanced variant of the original F/A-18 Hornet and serves a variety of roles, including air superiority, fighter escort, reconnaissance, air interdiction, close air support, and strike missions.

The Super Hornet features:

Enhanced Performance: Improved engines (General Electric F414) that provide greater thrust and efficiency.
Avionics and Radar: Advanced avionics and a powerful AN/APG-79 AESA radar.
Weapons Systems: Ability to carry a wide range of weapons, including air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, bombs, and a 20mm M61 Vulcan cannon.
Upgraded Systems: Enhanced survivability features, such as radar cross-section reduction, and the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS) for increased pilot situational awareness

Performance at the Pacific Airshow 2023

At the 2023 Pacific Airshow held at Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast, the F/A-18F Super Hornet delivered a spectacular performance, showcasing its impressive capabilities. Highlights of the display included:

High-Speed Passes: The Super Hornet performed several high-speed passes over the beach, demonstrating its powerful afterburners and agility.
Aerobatics: Pilots executed a variety of aerobatic maneuvers, including barrel rolls, loops, and high-G turns, highlighting the aircraft's maneuverability and control.
Formation Flying: The Super Hornet flew in tight formations with other aircraft, showcasing precision and teamwork.
Low-Level Flight: Impressive low-level passes captivated the audience, demonstrating the aircraft's stability and pilot skill.
Sound and Power: The roar of the Super Hornet's engines added to the excitement, providing an auditory experience that matched the visual spectacle.

The 2023 performance at the Pacific Airshow emphasised the F/A-18F Super Hornet's role as a versatile and powerful asset in modern air combat and its capability to perform a wide range of missions effectively. The crowd at Surfers Paradise was treated to a thrilling demonstration of aviation prowess, reflecting the high standards of the Royal Australian Air Force and the capabilities of their aircraft.

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