AMDA Foundation last week released the flying display schedule for Airshows Downunder (ASDU) Shellharbour, which is scheduled for 1-3 March at Shellharbour Regional Airport in NSW.
ASDU was formerly Wings over Illawarra, but was re-branded after AMDA Foundation took over the running of the show in February 2023.
The shows for the Saturday and Sunday are largely the same, with some of Australia's most iconic warbirds and startling civil aerobatics displays, with a teaser for something special that is yet to be confirmed.
On both days, the display will be launched with a flag drop from skydivers, then a fly-past by the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS) Southern Cross Fokker replica.
RAAF 100 Squadron have committed their English Electric Canberra, Lockheed Hudson, A-37 Dragonfly and two Spitfires, which feature in a long list of warbirds and civil antiques, HARS' Lockeed Super Constellation included.
Indications are that three P-40s will be flying along with a TBM Avenger, FW 190 and up to two Mustangs.
Matt Hall and Emma MacDonald from Matt Hall Racing are scheduled to do individual aerobatics routines in an MSX-R and Extra 300 respectively, which will set the bar high for other aerobatic aviators, including Paul Bennet in his Wolf Pitts Pro, the Skyaces from Paul Bennet Airshows and Glenn Graham in powerful yet nippy Edge 540.
Further RAAF support is expected in the forms of a C130J Hercules and an F-35 Lightning II, which is currently slated to close the show each day.
Naturally, ASDU is careful about making too much commitment to the display line-up as weather and serviceability often play a part in aircraft canceling or rescheduling at very short notice.
The full flying program is on the ASDU Shellharbour website.