Changing the guard

[Redgum]

Just an hour ago five of the new RAAF Super Hornets arrived in Brisbane, Australia. This is an historic occasion not unlike when the first Boeing 707 arrived in 1958 or the lunar landing.

Escorted by the now retired F111 it was sad to see this faithful and reliable aircraft come to its final stop. Note the swing wing configuration.

[Kym]

I loved the Pigs! The 111 was an awesome weapon.
It was one of the weapons that the Soviets were genuinely scared of because of range, payload and nap of the earth capabilities.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Dynamics_F-111#Australia

[Mary Anne]

I heard that on the news this morning and I asked Hubby if he knew if they would be able to be seen this far South.
Of course they weren't we didn't even hear them, so thanks for sharing this occasion :th3:

[mudman]

Yep, sad to see the F111s go. They were way ahead of their time when they first came out.
probably still ahead in some ways. from what i have heard the super hornats lack a bit in range and stuff compared tio the F111s.

[old dog]

I like the first shot even though it`s a rear ender. Looks great with the cloud at the bottom like this. Had a shoot of them up close, last year at Williamtown and it was real fun....got right up to them.

[Redgum]

I like the first shot even though it`s a rear ender. Looks great with the cloud at the bottom like this. Had a shoot of them up close, last year at Williamtown and it was real fun....got right up to them.
Haha!! Not these Graeme. These first five SUPER HORNETS only arrived three hours ago from the US via NZ. Never been in Australia before. The other 19 will come over the next year or so. The 18A's have been around for a while but these are 18F's. I'm an honorary member of 3 Squadron.
I've got some front on shots but they're for the mags. :)