In the event Darth Vader returns to Old Parliament House for the Canberra Balloon Spectacular this weekend the bad guy had better be packing a Deathstar in his pocket.
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The RAAF has just unveiled its latest promotional hot air balloon and it is loaded for bear.
RAAF chief Air Marshal Leo Davies was due to "launch" his latest hot air warrior at 6.30am today, at Defence Establishment Fairbairn, weather permitting of course.
The new balloon, which replaces a much more traditional looking construct, has been crafted in the shape of a fighter pilot wearing a full helmet and aids including visor, oxygen mask and oxygen hose.
"It rocks," one source who saw the preview pics taken on a test flight we publish here, said. "It is much better than the old one."
The appearance of the balloon, which was created by British-based Cameron Balloons using 1574 individual panels, is expected to be one of the highlights of this weekend's spectacular.
This year's event, which kicks off on Saturday, runs until next Sunday, [March 20]. Flights are entirely dependent on the weather so keep an eye on the event Facebook and Twitter feeds for the latest updates.
The launch venue is the lawn outside Old Parliament House [aka the Museum of Australian Democracy].
Cost is free but be prepared for an early start. The action starts about 6am when the crews begin filling their craft.
Given daylight saving doesn't end until April 3, contrary to some posts circulating on social media, it won't be full daylight until after 7am.
Air Marshal Davies said it had made sense to switch to a "character balloon" when the opportunity arose. "It was a chance to create a new, custom, modern design to inspire a new generation to learn about aviation and the RAAF."
