Raptor and Lightning II displays confirmed for Avalon 2019

TWO of the world’s most potent warplanes will again lead the cavalcade of military heavy metal in Geelong’s skies at next year’s Australian International Airshow.

The F-35 Lightning II and the F-22 Raptor will both perform high energy, simulated combat manoeuvres and also be on static display at Avalon Airport.

The F-35 is the latest addition to Australia’s airborne arsenal, capable of supersonic flight while retaining stealth.

It has extraordinary acceleration, agility and 9G manoeuvrability.

The fifth-generation combat aircraft is also able to employ a wide range of air to surface and air to air weapons.

Organisers will no doubt be hoping for calm skies over Avalon this time, as the F-35s were delayed from departing from Avalon 2017 (their Australian debut) because of forecast thunderstorms.

The Raptor, from the United States, also boasts an impressive design profile.

In terms of speed, manoeuvrability, stealthiness and its ability to strike the enemy, this $400-million jet fighter is an awesome defence asset.

The aircraft’s shape and the use of radar absorbent materials make it difficult to detect and track by radar. It is also designed to have low radio, heat and noise emissions.

The aircraft is powered by two Pratt and Whitney turbofans that generate more than 15,000 kilograms of thrust each, and the F-22 can also “supercruise” at almost twice the speed of sound without engaging its afterburners.

The F-22s will be just one of the warbirds in the large United States contingent at the event.

The Australian International Airshow 2019 will be open to the public on March 1 (from 2pm) and on March 2 and 3, 2019.

For more information, head to airshow.com.au.