The RAAF’s research and development unit (ARDU) celebrated an important milestone in allied cooperation while taking part in the Aerospace Valley Air Show at Edwards Air Base, California.
The ARDU testing team were recently at the US base to complete the B-2A, B-52H and A-10C aircraft testing programs. They were joined by a KC-30A multi-role tanker transport aircraft and crew from RAAF Base Amberley – now capable of refuelling most United States Air Force (USAF) combat aircraft.
ARDU was asked to participate in the static science, technology, engineering and maths displays at the air show, which included the Lockheed Skunk Works “Darkstar” movie prop from Top Gun: Maverick and a SR-71 Blackbird.
Lead flight test engineer on the B-2 testing program, Flight Lieutenant Connor Wilson said before the show started, he was given the opportunity to see the ‘SR-72 Darkstar’ display being assembled.
“I’d seen Top Gun: Maverick so it was really interesting to see the prop used in the movie in a static display beside its inspiration, the SR-71 Blackbird.
“We got to walk around the hangar and get some photos before the crowds arrived. It was really cool,” Flight Lieutenant Wilson said.
The air show drew a crowd of more than 100,000 including 12,000 school children on what was touted as “the world’s largest field trip” to watch aerial displays by heritage aircraft and the world’s most advanced combat aircraft.
The fast jets’ multiple sonic booms commemorated the 75th anniversary of Chuck Yaeger’s 1947 flight at Edwards, which first broke the sound barrier.
The RAAF’s chief of flight test, Squadron Leader Andrew Kerle said the testing crew were proud to represent the RAAF by taking part, and that the test completions had also marked an important interoperability milestone.
“The Royal Australian Air Force has a long-standing relationship with the US Air Force flight test community,” Squadron Leader Kerle said.
“After our visit, our multi-role tankers are now fully interoperable with USAF strategically significant aircraft, including B-1B, B-2A, B-52H and A-10C as well as fourth and fifth generation fighters such as the F-35 series, F-22A, and F-16 series.
“In the current geostrategic context, this is a significant capability for allied interoperability in our region.”
Flight Lieutenant Connor Wilson, said the Aerospace Valley Air Show was a unique experience.
“I’ve worked on aircraft for a long time but had never seen them close up in action before as this was my first ever air show,” Flight Lieutenant Wilson said.
“I wasn’t expecting to be overwhelmed, but the close-form displays by the Thunderbirds and heritage aircraft doing low-level loops and manoeuvres just above the runway were spectacular.”
