Hornets to make flying visit at airshow

Four F/A-18 Hornet fighters from the Royal Australian Air Force have been confirmed to appear at Warbirds Over Wanaka next month.

International Airshow event manager Mandy Deans said the fighter jets would be in New Zealand on exercise with the Royal New Zealand Air Force and would be taking "time out" to appear at the airshow.

Originally developed for the United States Navy and Marine Corps, the multi-role Hornet fighter is one of the world's most advanced aircraft.

It can achieve a speed of 1915kmh and fly above 13,700m.

Warbirds Over Wanaka chief executive Roger Clark said the Hornets would perform on Saturday and Sunday during the airshow at Easter Weekend.

In 2008 and 2006 an F111 jet had impressed crowds, but this was something special, he said.

"Now having four Hornets flying in formation down over the mountains to show off their heavy metal at Wanaka will give airshow visitors a unique experience," he said.

"It will be something people will remember for the rest of their lives."

Like the F111's before them, the Hornets will not land in Wanaka.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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