The Hughes XF-11 was a prototype reconnaissance aircraft designed for the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF). Although 100 aircraft were ordered in 1943, the program was delayed beyond the end of the Second World War, rendering it surplus to the USAAF needs and it was cancelled.
The first of two prototypes (serial number 44-70155) crashed on its first flight on 7 July 1946, piloted by Howard Hughes who was critically injured. The second prototype (44-70156) first flew on 5 April 1947 again piloted by Hughes. This time without incident.
The United States Air Force (USAF) was created as a separate service in September 1947, and the XF-11 was redesignated as the XR-11 in July 1948. The XR-11 continued to fly until mid 1949, after which is was used as an instructional airframe for several months before being scrapped in November.
Held over the weekend of 18-19 November 2023, the Newcastle Williamtown Air Show 2023 featured both air and static ground displays. The first days was a free community events with flying displays over Nobbys Beach and the Newcastle Harbour. Day Two had a nominal $10 entry fee to the RAAF Williamtown Air Force base where most of the aircraft flying on day one were on display. The Royal Australian Air Force and Newcastle Council did an amazing job of organising this event.
Getting There
Parking in the inner city was limited because of road closures. However, the council provided a park and ride from McDonald Jones Stadium, while additional ferries brought people from Stockton where large carparks had been set up.
Day One
Commencing at 10:00 AM, the air display was continuous until 12:30. At 2:00 PM it started again and ran through until 4:00PM. By start time, the foreshore and Nobbys Beach were packed. Additional premium viewing was available at Fort Scratchley, providing the highest vantage point on the day.
Sitting near the surf club we had an excellent view of the displays as they performed just off shore, or flew down the harbour.
Warbirds
Flying started with old warbirds and training aircraft, such as the CAC Winjeel, CAC Mustang (a licence built North American P-51 Mustang) and Supermarine Spitfire. Operated by 100 Squadron RAAF, these old planes preserve the history of military flying in Australia.
Current RAAF Aircraft
Following the warbirds, the RAAF aerobatic team the Roulettes put on a skillful flying display. They were followed by the current combat aircraft operated by the RAAF. Fortunately we brought ear plugs, because we knew the F-35 and F/A-18F would be noisy. They certainly didn’t disappoint and put on an amazing display of their flying capabilities.
Closing out the air display were the RAAF’s larger aircraft, the P-8 Poseidon used maritime surveillance, the E-7 Wedgetail AEW&C and the KC-30 MRTT multi role transport and tanker.
CAC Winjeel A85-439 over Nobbys Beach CAC CA-18 Mustang Mk. 23, A68-170 AM-G over Nobbys BeachRAAF Roulettes aerobatic team over Nobbys BeachLockheed Martin F-35A and CAC CA-18 Mustang over Nobbys BeachLockheed Martin F-35A over Nobbys BeachBoeing E-7A WedgetailRAAF Boeing P-8A Poseidon Boeing P-8A Poseidon flying over the Nobbys Beach Surf ClubAirbus KC-30A MRTT of 33 Squadron RAAF over Nobbys BeachLockheed P-3C Orion during the flying display over Nobbys BeachThe crowd on the beach while a Lockheed P-3C Orion flies over Nobbys HeadlandPart of the crowd with a Lockheed P-3C Orion flying over Nobbys BeachLockheed P-3C Orion during the flying display over Nobbys BeachPilatus PC-21 of the RoulettesBoeing FA-18F Super Hornet
Day Two of the Newcastle Williamtown Air Show
Held at the Royal Australian Air Force Base at Williamtown just north of Newcastle, Day 2 was a non-flying day, although most of the aeroplanes from Day 1 were on display.
The RAAF provided parking on base, with busses taking people onto the base. This was an excellent idea because the base also hosts Newcastle Airport which provides domestic civilian air services. The buses allowed the airport to keep the runway operating while people were transported to an from the display area.
Each of the aircraft on display were attended by RAAF personnel who were happy to discus what they do and the jet’s capabilities. We had a great time walking around them all, including the warbirds.
The Airbus KC-30 MRRT was available for a walk-through but the queue was too long so we just looked at it from outside.
Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II A35-37 of 3 Squadron RAAFBoeing F/A-18F Super Hornet A44-218 of 1 Squadron RAAFBoeing EA-18G Growler A46-313 of 6 Squadron RAAFPilatus PC-21 A54-038 of the RAAF Roulettes aerobatic teamBoeing E-7A Wedgetail A30-001 of RAAF 2 SquadronClose up of the radar housing of the Boeing E-7A Wedgetail A30-001 of 2 Squadron RAAFBoeing P-8A Poseidon of 11 Squadron RAAFAirbus KC-30A MRTT of 33 Squadron RAAFWeapons bay of an Boeing P-8A PoseidonCAC CA-18 Mustang Mk. 23, A68-170 AM-GSupermarine Spitfire Mk.XVI TB863 FU-P of No. 453 Squadron (R.A.A.F). In its original markingsCAC Wirraway A20-653 BF-F of the Air Force Heritage Squadron. Painted in 5 Squadron colours.CT-4 Airtrainer A19-077
Fighter World
Fighter World the RAAF’s museum of fighters aircraft was open on Sunday and free to enter. Several of the fighters were outside the hanger which was great because the displays inside are usually close together. This allowed us to get close to some interesting planes. Most RAAF operated jets were on display from early Gloster Meteors to F/A-18s and an F-111. See out blog on Fighter World for more information and photos.
Gloster Meteor F.8 in the markings of A77-851, 77 Squadron during the Korean War
During our previous trip to Canberra, the gallery “Conflicts 1945” to Today in the Australian War Memorial was closed because of the renovations. This time however, it was open, so we took the opportunity to look around.
This gallery commemorates all the conflicts involving Australians from 1945 to today. This includes Korea, Malaya, Vietnam, East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan as well as numerous peace-keeping operations.
Korean War
This section commemorates Australia’s participation in the Korean War, particularly the army’s 3RAR, the RAAF’s 77 Squadron and the Royal Australian Navy.
Of the 17,000 Australians who served in Korea, casualties numbered more than 1,500, of whom 339 were killed. The majority served with the Australian Army.
The RAAF’s 77 Squadron was initially equipped with North American P-51 Mustangs, but these were later replaced with Gloster Meteor jet fighters. These, however, were outclassed as a fighter by the faster and more manoeuvrable MiG-15 operated by the Chinese and North Korean’s. As a result, they undertook ground attack missions in support of UN forces.
The RAN stationed HMS Sydney in Korean waters equipped with Firefly and Sea Fury aircraft. These made over 2,700 sorties, losing 9 aircraft with three aircrew killed.
Gloster Meteor F.8 fighter of 77 Squadron RAAF
Vietnam War
Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War lasted from 1962 until 1973. Over 60,000 Australians participated, the majority being from the army. Of these 523 were killed and nearly 2,400 wounded.
Long Tan Cross
One of the most interesting displays in the Long Tan Cross, erected after the Battle of Long Tan, to commemorate those who died.
In August 1966 a company of 6RAR was engaged in one of Australia’s heaviest actions of the war, in a rubber plantation near Long Tan. The 108 soldiers of D Coy held off an enemy force, estimated at over 2000, for four hours in the middle of a tropical downpour. They were greatly assisted by a timely ammunition resupply by RAAF helicopters, close fire support from Australian artillery, and the arrival of reinforcements in APCs as night fell. When the Viet Cong withdrew at night fall, they left behind 245 dead, but carried away many more casualties. Seventeen Australians were killed and 25 wounded, with one dying of wounds several days later.
Displayed in the Dong Nai Museum in Bien Hoa after the war, the Government gifted it to Australia in 2017.
Other Vietnam War Displays
Representing the Royal Australian Navy’s contribution to the war is a model of the aircraft carrier HMAS Sydney. Other Australian ships provided escort, or fire-support duties, while aircrew served with US forces.
The Australian Army has displays covering the major equipment used, including artillery, an armoured personnel carrier and an Iroquois helicopter in the act of inserting troops.
105mm M2A2 howitzerM113A1 Armoured Personnel CarrierThe Long Tan CrossBell UH-1 Iroquois helicopter
Iraq and Afghanistan
This section covers Australia’s more recent involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Camp Russell Special Operations base and The Ghan Chapel where ADF chaplains ministered to everyone regardless of beliefLong Range Patrol Vehicle MC2-Land Rover 110 6×6 used by the SAS in Iraq and AfghanistanIraqi weapons including one of Saddam’s gold plated AK-47s
Peace Keeping
Some of Australia’s more important and long-term engagements have been peacekeeping deployments. These have been important because they assist in stabilizing areas of unrest while helping the local people recover from or avoid conflict. A map illustrating where deployments are or have been was very interesting. Many of these have not been well represented in the press, despite their contribution to world peace.
Land Rover Series 2A as used in Namibia 1989-90Locations of Australian peacekeepers
What Did We Think?
As the War Memorial continues its redevelopment, older areas such as this will be modernised. It is still an amazing pace to visit because of what it represents and has many great displays.