Gold Coasters, prepare to be blown away – quite literally.
Aviation fans are in for a real treat at this year’s Pacific Airshow, with confirmation some of the world’s most powerful fighter jets will soar through the skies of Surfers Paradise.
Organisers of the hugely popular event have revealed the second round of performers that will hit the Gold Coast for the highly-anticipated show in August.
Some of the world’s most elite military aviators will take to our skies in a variety of powerful aircraft, with two US-operated F-22 Raptors set to be brought in all the way from Hawaii to put on a rare show down under.
An Australian F-18 Super Hornet will also take part, along with an RAAF C-17 or 27 and a World World II era Spitfire.
Event boss Kevin Elliott is promising another adrenaline-pumping performance for locals and tourists.
“We are excited to announce that the F-22 Raptor is making its Pacific Airshow Gold Coast debut with not one but TWO of these incredible machines!” he said.
“The stealthy F-22 Raptor is one of the most powerful, manoeuvrable and all-round badass 5th generation fighters ever created and you’ll get to see them make a rare appearance over the beaches of Surfers Paradise.”
The US is also providing a Navy P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance jet.
“The US military is really warming to the Gold Coast, so it’s also sending a lethal P-8 Poseidon, the latest generation sub hunter, putting fear into the heart of many a submariner,” Elliott said.
The Canberra Jet Bomber and A-37 Dragonfly are also among the impressive lineup of aircraft set to descend on our shores.
“The jets keep getting faster, and the lineup bigger and better,” Mayor Tom Tate said.
“This is going to be an aerial spectacular you won’t want to miss. Bring it on!”
Last year’s debut event attracted almost 170,000 spectators, with this year’s three-day show expected to draw even bigger crowds tipped to inject a whopping $25 million into the economy.
