Lightning-fast US jets for Warbirds

A United States Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons demonstration team will appear at Easter's...
A United States Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons demonstration team will appear at Easter's Warbirds Over Wanaka. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
It may be nearly 20 years later than expected, but South Islanders will finally be able to see F-16 Fighting Falcons flying overhead, when a United States Air Force demonstration team drops in to Easter's Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow.

The occasion will mark the first time an F-16 has been seen at a civilian airshow in New Zealand, and likely the only time they have ventured this far south.

For many people, it will have been a long time coming.

In 1998, the National government announced it would lease-buy 28 F-16s stored in Arizona to replace New Zealand's remaining 19 Douglas A-4 Skyhawks.

However, the incoming Labour government quickly scrapped the deal, as the projected cost rose to around $1.2 billion.

The decision cost New Zealand its air strike capability and aircraft enthusiasts missed out on seeing supersonic jets in our skies.

Warbirds Over Wanaka general manager Ed Taylor said the F-16s, which could reach speeds of nearly 2500kmh, would be the "icing on the cake'' at this year's show.

"The demonstration team pilots are at the top of their game and can really show off all those amazing attributes.''

"The performance they will put on will be simply mind-blowing.

"I've only seen them in person once, and I can say it just leaves you spellbound.''

Mr Taylor said it could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for people to see such amazing aircraft against the backdrop of the Wanaka landscape.''

Along with the F-16 team from Japan, the US Air Force will also send a C-17 Globemaster demonstration team from Hawaii.

Mr Taylor confirmed this year's airshow would feature the most modern military aircraft seen at Warbirds.

sean.nugent@odt.co.nz

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