Canberra skies will be taken over on Wednesday as a mass fly over showcasing the history of Australia's air force takes off, as part of events to mark its 100th anniversary.
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More than 60 aircraft will flyover Lake Burley Griffin following a special ceremony at Government House where the Governor- General will present a new Queen's Colour for the Royal Australian Air Force.
Air Force Director General Air Commodore Andrew Elfverson said it was an important day to recognise and remember the 350,000 people who had served in the uniform.
"Those are the shoulders we stand on today and it's important to acknowledge and commemorate that, including the 11,191 people who paid the ultimate sacrifice," he said.
Following the parade, there will be a "spectacular" fly pass including historic war birds used throughout World War II to the latest, fastest aircraft.
"We are trying to present a visual image of what aircraft used to be like and what current aircraft looks like," Air Commodore Elfverson said.
Among the aircraft featured will be the well-known Spitfire used in World War II, to the F/A-18A Hornet, which entered the Air Force in 1985 and, after being used in conflicts in the Middle East will be retired at the end of the year.
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The 20-minute mass fly over will begin at 11.15am and culminate in a 12-minute performance by the Roulettes aerobatic team.
The best vantage point for the flyover will be from Lake Burley Griffin including Yarralumla Bay, Weston Park, Aspen Island and Black Mountain Peninsula Park.
Four heritage warbirds from No. 100 Squadron based in Temora also performed a flypast on Tuesday about 3.35pm.
Wednesday's aircraft are expected to include:
- Lockheed Hudson (the only flying example of this light bomber in the world)
- CAC Boomerang (one of only two flying examples in the world)
- Spitfire Mk VIII
- CAC Mustang (Australian-built)
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