2026 AIRCRAFT LINEUP

Take a look back at all of the incredible aircraft that took part in Warbirds Over Scone on the 28-29 March 2026.

THE BIGGEST DISPLAY OF MUSTANGS IN THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE

WOS26-website-images-aircraft-MUSTANG-TF8

P-51D-30 MUSTANG

Merlin thunder and Mustang grace. VH-TF8 is a freshly arrived P-51D now based at Scone with Pays Aviation, having crossed the Tasman in late 2024 after years flying in New Zealand as ZK-TAF.

Powered by a Packard-built Merlin V-1650-7, the D-model delivers classic Mustang performance – around 700 km/h flat-out, sharp roll response and that unmistakable V-12 snarl.

Did you know? This airframe’s ferry route to Australia – Kerikeri to Norfolk Island to Gold Coast, then on to Scone – echoes the long-range pedigree that made the Mustang famous.

Photographer: Gavin Conroy

Andrew-Cunningham - 20250208 - Hunter Valley Airshow - Saturday - 07199

P-51D-30NT MUSTANG

A razor-sleek laminar wing, bubble canopy, and a V-12 that sings – VH-FST is set to bring the classic P-51D silhouette to life over the skies of the Upper Hunter.

Driven by a Packard-built Merlin V-1650 and a four-blade Hamilton Standard prop, this Mustang sprints to around 700 km/h and carves crisp aerobatics that show why the D-model set the benchmark for WWII fighters. Based at Archerfield QLD, “The Flying Undertaker” is a crowd favourite for its spine-tingling supercharger whine and the signature “howl” on high-speed passes.

Did you know? The “NT” in P-51D-30NT marks it as a Dallas-built airframe (North American—Texas), a late-block production Mustang with the definitive bubble canopy and six .50-cal Brownings in wartime trim.

Photographer: Andrew Cunningham

P-51D-20 MUSTANG

A Mustang with heritage on full display, VH-LUI wears the striking “Dove of Peace” wartime scheme of the 353rd Fighter Group. A late-block P-51D-20NT variant, this Mustang was restored to immaculate flying condition and is based in Victoria with warbird operator Doug Hamilton.

In classic D-model trim it’s powered by the Packard V-1650-7 Merlin and good for roughly 700 km/h (≈435–440 mph), showcasing the laminar-flow wing and bubble canopy that made the Mustang a legend.

Did you know? The 353rd’s bold yellow-and-check livery wasn’t just for style—fast visual ID helped formation leaders and ground crews keep tabs on their Mustangs in the melee over Europe.

Photographer: Duncan Fenn

WOS26-website-images-aircraft-MUSTANG-100SQN

CAC CA-18 MUSTANG

Experience one of the Crown Jewels of the Air Force Heritage Squadron: CAC CA-18 Mustang A68-170. Delivered to the RAAF in 1950, this specific aircraft is a “pure” veteran that never left military service for the civilian market. Known affectionately as “Duffy’s Delight”, it was saved from the scrap heap in the 1970s by a dedicated team led by Squadron Leader Kevin Duffy. Today, it flies as a living memorial to the pilots of No. 77 and No. 3 Squadrons. When you hear the whistle of its gun ports and the growl of its Merlin engine over Scone, you aren’t just watching a plane – you’re watching RAAF history in motion.

Photographer: Duncan Fenn

WOS26-website-images-aircraft-Mustang-VH-BOB

P-51 MUSTANG

Meet the “Wild Horse” with a heart of gold. VH-BOB (RAAF serial A68-104) is more than just a fighter; it is a labor of love spanning over half a century. Purchased in 1970 by the late Bob Eastgate, this Mustang was saved from a scrap dealer and has been a staple of the Australian warbird scene for decades. After a monumental 15-year restoration by “The Dedicated Few” – a team of volunteer engineers – it returned to the skies in early 2023, sounding as crisp and powerful as the day it left the factory in 1947. When BOB banks over the Scone airfield, you’re witnessing the endurance of Australian aviation spirit and a tribute to the man who spent 50 years ensuring this icon never stopped flying.

Photographer: Duncan Fenn

CAC CA-18 MUSTANG

Step back in time to the Italian campaign of 1944. VH-JUC (RAAF serial A68-105) is a masterclass in historical tribute. While many Mustangs sport a natural metal finish, JUC is meticulously painted to represent the P-51K “CV-P” flown by Squadron Leader Peter Nash, Commanding Officer of No. 3 Squadron RAAF, during the final stages of the war in Northern Italy. This aircraft is a mainstay of the Tyabb-based Old Aeroplane Company and is widely regarded as one of the most authentic-looking Mustangs in the world. When you see those distinctive desert-style camouflage patterns and the 3 Squadron “Southern Cross” on the tail, you’re looking at a flying piece of RAAF heritage that honors the Aussies who fought in the Mediterranean theater.

Photographer: Duncan Fenn

A ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME LINEUP OF SPITFIRES

WOS26-website-images-aircraft-SPITFIRE-MK-IX-MH603-PAYS

SUPERMARINE SPITFIRE F MK.IX

Experience one of the most famous aircraft of all time. The Spitfire Mk IX married the iconic elliptical wing to a Rolls-Royce Merlin 60-series engine, pushing this thoroughbred to roughly 655–660 km/h and giving Allied pilots the edge against the FW 190.

MH603 was built in 1943 and now flies again after a meticulous, down-to-the-last-rivet restoration at Vintage Fighter Restorations, Scone. She wears the wartime markings of 331 (Norwegian) Squadron, RAF – a faithful nod to her operational service.

Did you know? MH603 made her first post-restoration flight at Scone on 11 December 2021, her first time airborne since the 1950s. A living slice of WWII history, rebuilt in the Upper Hunter.

Photographer: Gavin Conroy

WOS26-website-images-aircraft-SPITFIRE-IX-JT-10

SUPERMARINE SPITFIRE MK.IX

Elliptical wings, Merlin thunder – the Spitfire Mk IX is WWII elegance with bite. Powered by a Rolls-Royce Merlin 66 V-12 (~1,700 hp), VH-RAF delivers classic Spitfire performance: a top speed around 655 km/h (409 mph), razor-sharp roll response and a climb that seems to go on forever. This airframe wears the striking Czechoslovak Air Force “JT-10” markings that it carried post-war, bringing a unique chapter of Spitfire history to Australian skies from its Archerfield, QLD base.

Did you know? The Mk IX began as a rapid upgrade to counter the Fw 190, yet proved so successful it became one of the most numerous and best-loved Spitfire variants – many, like “JT-10,” later served with European air arms before finding new lives with restorers and warbird operators worldwide.

Photographer: Gavin Conroy

20241109 - Barrington Coast Airshow - 19798

SUPERMARINE SPITFIRE MK.VIII

The Spitfire Mk VIII was a refined, long-legged development of the Mk IX, built for tropical theatres with a retractable tailwheel and strengthened airframe. VH-A58 carries the celebrated markings of A58-484, flown by Australia’s top WWII ace Clive Caldwell. Powered by a Rolls-Royce Merlin (≈1,700 hp), the Mk VIII delivers classic Spitfire performance: top speed around 655 km/h (≈409 mph), blistering climb, and razor-sharp roll response. In period trim it packed 2× 20 mm Hispano cannon plus .303/.50 machine guns – elegance with real bite.

Did you know? The Mk VIII skipped Royal Air Force service at home and went straight to overseas squadrons – making it the Spitfire most associated with RAAF operations in the SW Pacific and Northern Australia.

Photographer: Andrew Cunningham

SUPERMARINE SPITFIRE F MK. VIII

Often described as the most beautiful aircraft ever built, the Supermarine Spitfire F Mk. VIII is a masterpiece of elliptical wing design and aerodynamic perfection. This particular aircraft (A58-758), operated by the RAAF 100SQN, is one of only a handful of airworthy Mk. VIIIs left in the world. Originally intended for the RAF, it was diverted to the RAAF in 1945, arriving just as the war in the Pacific was drawing to a close. Dressed in its iconic “grey and green” camouflage with the striking white tail of the 80 Wing, this Spitfire is a living tribute to the pilots who defended Northern Australia and the South West Pacific. When that Rolls-Royce Merlin engine sings its high-pitched whistle, you aren’t just hearing a plane—you’re hearing the sound of history itself.

Photographer: Duncan Fenn

Warbirds-Over-Scone-2026-Spitfire-two-seat-BS548

SUPERMARINE SPITFIRE MK.IX BS548

Prepare for a Southern Hemisphere first. BS548 isn’t just a masterpiece of restoration; it’s a time machine. Originally built as a Mk.V and upgraded to Mk.IX standard by Rolls-Royce in 1942, this aircraft fought on the front lines with the Free French No. 340 and 341 Squadrons. After being shot down over France in 1943, it lay dormant for nearly 70 years before being unearthed and reborn. Now, following an intensive restoration in the UK by the Aircraft Restoration Company, it arrives at its new home in Scone as Australia’s only airworthy two-seat Spitfire. Featuring the sleek “Grace” style second cockpit, it maintains the legendary Spitfire silhouette while offering a lucky few the chance to finally answer the question: “What does it feel like to fly a Spitfire?”

Did You Know? BS548 is a true “warrior.” On December 1, 1942, while flying this exact aircraft over the Pas de Calais, Free French pilot Sous Lieutenant André Moynet shot down a Focke-Wulf Fw 190. When you look at the cockpit today, you are looking at the very same space where Moynet sat during his final victory in Western Europe!

Photographer: Bob Levens

WARBIRD HEAVEN

DE HAVILLAND VAMPIRE

The de Havilland Vampire is a Cold War-era classic powered by a single Goblin turbojet engine, capable of reaching speeds over 885 km/h (550 mph).

With its distinctive twin-boom tail and smooth, futuristic silhouette, the Vampire was a revolutionary leap into the jet age when it first flew in 1943.

Originally designed as a frontline interceptor, the Vampire went on to serve in more than 30 air forces around the world – including the Royal Australian Air Force, where it was the first jet aircraft operated by the RAAF.

Photographer: Andrew Cunningham

VOUGHT F4U-1D CORSAIR

Prepare for the unmistakable roar and bent-wing silhouette of one of WWII’s most feared naval fighters — the F4U-1D Corsair.

Powered by a mighty 2,000hp Pratt & Whitney R-2800 radial engine, this gull-winged beast could tear through the skies at over 710 km/h (440 mph) and dive with lethal precision. The -1D model was the first Corsair variant fully cleared for aircraft carrier operations, boasting enhanced firepower and payload capacity for air-to-ground strikes.

This particular aircraft, VH-NQW, is more than just a warbird — it’s a living combat veteran. The world’s only airworthy F4U-1D, she flew from the decks of the USS Intrepid and saw action during the Battle of Okinawa in 1945 — one of the final and fiercest campaigns of the Pacific theatre.

Photographer: Gavin Conroy

HAWKER SEA FURY

Turn up the volume for one of the most powerful and awe-inspiring warbirds on the circuit – the Hawker Sea Fury FB.11, now flying in Australia once again as “Southern Cross”. VH-HPB is currently the only airworthy Sea Fury in the country and a spectacle to experience live.

Originally built for the Iraqi Air Force in 1953, this aircraft served in active military service before being imported to the United States in the late 1970s. It gained fame on the international airshow and Reno Air Racing circuit under the name “Sawbones”, where it was extensively modified for speed and performance. Now restored and renamed “Southern Cross”, the aircraft pays tribute to its former identity on the Australian airshow scene.

While the original Sea Fury’s were powered by the Bristol Centaurus engine, this example packs a punch with a 3,050 hp Curtiss-Wright R-3350-26 radial engine — a twin-row, 18-cylinder beast better known for powering bombers like the B-29 Superfortress. Combined with its sleek, naval-optimised design, the Sea Fury was – and still is – an absolute speed demon.

Photographer: Andrew Cunningham

NORTH AMERICA T-28 TROJAN

With its throaty radial roar and clean, muscular lines, the T-28 Trojan is a crowd favourite wherever it flies. Designed as a trainer for the U.S. Air Force and Navy in the 1950s, this rugged warbird quickly proved itself in combat roles during the Vietnam War and various conflicts across Southeast Asia and Latin America.

Powered by a 1,425 hp Wright R-1820 Cyclone radial engine, the T-28 can reach speeds over 540 km/h (340 mph) and is renowned for its agility, power, and reliability — making it a favourite among warbird pilots and collectors.

Photographer: Duncan Fenn

CAC WIRRAWAY

The CAC Wirraway is a proud symbol of Australian aviation history — a locally built military trainer that also saw combat in the early days of World War II. Developed by the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation, the Wirraway was based on the North American NA-16 design and became the RAAF’s go-to training aircraft from 1939 through to the 1950s.

Powered by a 600 hp Pratt & Whitney R-1340 radial engine, the Wirraway cruised at around 350 km/h (220 mph) and trained generations of Australian aircrew for front-line service. But this warbird wasn’t just for training — a handful of Wirraways were pressed into combat in New Guinea, even scoring what is believed to be the first RAAF air-to-air kill of the Pacific War.

Did you know? The name Wirraway means “challenge” in the Wiradjuri language — a fitting title for an aircraft that helped prepare young Aussie pilots for the skies of war.

Photographer: Duncan Fenn

GRUMMAN TBF AVENGER

Big, bold, and built for battle — the Grumman TBF Avenger was the heaviest single-engine aircraft of World War II and one of the most effective torpedo bombers of the era. Powered by a 1,900 hp Wright R-2600 radial engine, the Avenger could reach speeds over 440 km/h (270 mph) while carrying a devastating payload of torpedoes or bombs beneath its broad wings.

Introduced in 1942, Avengers flew from aircraft carriers across the Pacific and Atlantic, playing a key role in major battles like Midway and the Philippines. With a crew of three, a defensive turret, and robust armour, the Avenger was known for its survivability and impact.

Photographer: Gavin Conroy

YAKOVLEV YAK-52

Strap in for some serious G-force! The Yakovlev Yak-52 is a rugged, Soviet-designed aerobatic trainer built to prepare pilots for high-performance combat aircraft.

Introduced in the 1970s and still flown by military and civilian pilots worldwide, the Yak-52 is renowned for its precision, durability, and blistering agility.
Powered by a 360 hp Vedeneyev M14P nine-cylinder radial engine, this nimble warbird can hit speeds over 280 km/h (175 mph) and pull up to +7/-5 Gs, making it a favourite on the airshow circuit.
Did you know? You don’t just have to watch the Yak-52 fly — you can book your own aerobatic adventure flight at Warbirds Over Scone and experience loops, rolls and dives first-hand with a professional pilot!

Photographer: Duncan Fenn

WOS26-website-images-aircraft-02-SKYMASTER

CESSNA O-2 SKYMASTER

With its unusual push-pull twin-engine layout and distinctive twin boom tail, the Cessna O-2 Skymaster stands out at any airshow – and for good reason. Designed as a military adaptation of the civilian Cessna 337, the O-2 was used extensively during the Vietnam War in forward air control, reconnaissance, and psychological operations roles

Equipped with two Continental IO-360 engines — one pulling, one pushing — the O-2 offered excellent visibility, reliability, and low-speed handling, perfect for spotting targets and directing fast jets onto enemy positions. Its top speed was around 370 km/h (230 mph), and it could loiter for hours over the battlefield.

Did you know? The O-2 was often nicknamed “Oscar Deuce” by U.S. forces and was used to broadcast propaganda messages and drop leaflets over enemy territory using loudspeakers mounted on the fuselage.

Photographer: Allan Cooper

NORTH AMERICAN T-6G HARVARD

The North American Aviation T-6 Harvard is a single-engine advanced trainer aircraft that was used to train pilots in the US Air Force and Navy, since the 1930’s.

The Harvard displayed at Hunter Warbirds was manufactured by North American at Dallas, Texas, USA in 1941 and spent WWII as a training aircraft with the US Air Force.

While in the US the Harvard received several awards for the quality of its restoration. A former Oshkosh award winner, she was acquired by Col Pay at Scone in 1984.

The Harvard is a flying exhibit, displayed in a stunning bare metal USAAC Moffat Field Naval colour scheme.

Photographer: Jack Arthur

WOS26-website-images-aircraft-P40E-Kittyhawk

CURTISS P40E KITTYHAWK

Feel the snarl of the Allison V-12 live and loud at Warbirds Over Scone. Built in 1942, this P-40E began life earmarked for the RAF as ET433, was diverted to the U.S. Army’s 68th Pursuit Squadron in Tonga, then transferred to the RNZAF as NZ3094. Decades later it was rescued and meticulously rebuilt at Scone – including an Allison V-1710 overhaul – returning to flight in 2004 under the care of Col Pay and Pays Aviation.

Today it’s finished as 3 Squadron RAAF “CV-V”, paying tribute to legendary Wing Commander Bobby Gibbes and continues to inspire and impress audiences at airshows around Australia.

Photographer: Duncan Fenn

WOS26-website-images-aircraft-P40N-Kittyhawk

CURTISS P40N KITTYHAWK

Shark-mouth grin, V-12 growl – the P-40N Kittyhawk is all muscle. Powered by the liquid-cooled Allison V-1710 V-12, VH-ZOC delivers classic Kittyhawk performance with a top speed around 580-590 km/h (360-365 mph) and that unmistakable warbird presence. This airframe began life as RNZAF NZ3125, serving with No. 2 Operational Training Unit before post-war storage at Rukuhia. Rebuilt to flying condition by Pioneer Aero in New Zealand, it was imported to Australia and is now operated by Allan Arthur / Arthur Aero, often seen in a period RAF 112 Squadron “shark” scheme.

Did you know? Many RNZAF Kittyhawks were mothballed in the famous Rukuhia “boneyard” after WWII – VH-ZOC is one of the lucky survivors brought back to fly again over Australian skies.

Photographer: Duncan Fenn

WOS26-website-images-aircraft-pilatus-pc9-gavin-conroy

PILATUS PC-9

Sleek, fast and razor-precise, the Pilatus PC-9 is a turboprop trainer with fighter-like handling. Driven by a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-62 producing around 1,150hp, the PC-9 sprints to roughly 590 km/h (320 kt), climbs hard, and happily dances through +7/-3.5 G aerobatics.

Australia knows this machine well – the RAAF PC-9 trained generations of pilots and thrilled crowds as the aircraft of choice for the Air Force Roulettes for decades. Expect crisp rolls, towering verticals and that distinctive turbine whistle.

Did you know? The PC-9’s advanced cockpit and performance were so effective that it bridged the gap between basic training and fast-jet conversion for nearly 30 years in RAAF service before the current PC-21 took over.

Photographer: Gavin Conroy

BOEING STEARMAN MODEL 75

Wind in your face, fabric wings singing – the Boeing Stearman Model 75 is the quintessential open-cockpit biplane trainer of WWII. Built tough to turn raw recruits into pilots, the Stearman features tandem seating, sturdy fixed gear and a burbling 220 hp Continental R-670 radial (many later fitted with higher-power radials).

Expect unhurried grace and big-sky swagger: a top speed around 200 km/h (124 mph) with delightfully crisp rolls and lazy eights that showcase classic stick-and-rudder flying.

Did you know? Known as the “Kaydet” in U.S. service (and N2S with the Navy), more than 8,000 were built – thousands went on to post-war lives as barnstormers and crop dusters, keeping this timeless biplane a crowd favourite to this day.

Photographer: Jack Arthur

Warbirds-Over-Scone-2022-credit-Ryan-Imeson55

BAC STRIKEMASTER

Purpose-built for bite, the BAC Strikemaster is a combat-tough evolution of the Jet Provost trainer-armoured cockpit, hard-points under the wings, and that unmistakable Rolls-Royce Viper whistle.

Pushed by roughly 3,400 lbf of thrust, it zips to about 770 km/h (480 mph), turns on a dime, and shows off precision aerobatics between low-level attack passes.

Designed for the light-attack/COIN role, it could carry rockets, bombs and gun pods while staying simple and reliable for frontline crews.

Did you know? Strikemasters served with more than ten air arms – from New Zealand to Oman – where they earned a reputation for ruggedness and pinpoint handling at low level.

Photographer: Ryan Imeson

Warbirds-Over-Scone-2022-credit-Ryan-Imeson1

BRISTOL F.2B FIGHTER

The Bristol F.2B was first flown in 1916 and was designed to operate as a two-seat fighter in World War 1 in the Middle East. The original aircraft was at one stage flown by Captain Ross Smith, who flew as Lawrence of Arabia’s pilot on several occasions.

The Bristol on display is a replica of B1229 of No1 Squadron Australian Flying Corps which was a “presentation” aircraft purchased from a donation of £2700 by the Macintyre Kayuga Estate, in the Hunter Valley NSW.

The Bristol F.2B fighter was donated to Hunter Fighter Collection Inc. and is a flying exhibit at Hunter Warbirds, with a colour scheme to commemorate its Hunter Valley connection.

Photographer: Ryan Imeson

Warbirds-Over-Scone-2022-credit-Ryan-Imeson63

CURTISS P40N KITTYHAWK

Meet a genuine veteran of the Pacific theatre. VH-PFO (Serial 42-104986) isn’t just a tribute; it is a combat survivor that actually flew and fought in the skies over Papua New Guinea. Operating with the US 49th Fighter Group (the “Fighting 49ers”), this aircraft was involved in a dramatic dogfight in 1944 where its pilot, Lt. Nelson Flack, shot down a Japanese Ki-61 “Tony” before being forced to crash-land in the Ramu Valley. Abandoned to the jungle for 60 years, it was recovered in 2004 and underwent a meticulous 12-year restoration. Now finished in its authentic 8th Fighter Squadron “Black Knights” livery—complete with its iconic white-and-black checkerboard tail—it stands as one of the most historically significant P-40s flying today.

Photographer: Duncan Fenn

Warbirds-Over-Scone-2022-credit-Ryan-Imeson40

CURTISS P40F KITTYHAWK

While most Kittyhawks are famous for the “growl” of their Allison engines, VH-HWK is a rare breed that hums with the sophisticated “whistle” of a Rolls-Royce Merlin. This P-40F is one of only a handful of airworthy Merlin-powered variants left in the world. Recovered as a wreck from Erromango Island in Vanuatu, it was restored to its former glory right here in Australia. It wears the desert camouflage and markings of “Bungana,” the mount of RAAF Ace Bobby Gibbes while he commanded No. 3 Squadron in North Africa. With its longer fuselage and lack of the traditional top-mounted air intake, VH-HWK is a sleek, high-altitude specialist that represents the absolute peak of P-40 evolution.

Photographer: Ryan Imeson

WOS26-website-images-aircraft-lockheed-hudson-temora

LOCKHEED HUDSON

A true survivor of the Pacific, the Lockheed Hudson is the twin-engine workhorse that held the line when Australia was under its greatest threat. While this airframe (A16-112) served with No. 14 and No. 32 Squadrons, it earned its combat stripes during a year of grueling bombing and reconnaissance missions out of Milne Bay, PNG, with No. 6 Squadron.Today, it wears the famous “Tojo Busters” nose art and the livery of Hudson A16-211, a tribute to the crews who fought the decisive Battle of Milne Bay. From hunting submarines to serving as the post-war flagship for East-West Airlines, this aircraft has lived a thousand lives. Now part of the RAAF 100 Squadron Temora Flight, it remains one of only two airworthy Hudsons left on the planet.

Photographer: Duncan Fenn

CAC CA-16 WIRRAWAY

Meet the “Challenge”—the aircraft that proved Australia could build its own front-line defenders. The CAC Wirrawaywas the first major project for the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation, and this particular machine, A20-653, is a stunning example of the CA-16 variant. While it was primarily designed as a trainer and utility aircraft, the Wirraway famously went into combat against much faster Japanese Zeros in the early days of the Pacific War. A20-653 served out the war in training roles, helping to forge the pilots who would eventually win the air war. Today, it flies as a proud member of the RAAF 100 Squadron Temora Flight, representing the grit and ingenuity of the Australian aviation industry.

Photographer: Duncan Fenn

Mottys-Photo_2011_08_21_9999_3184-LR-1-1-001-ASO

CAC WIRRAWAY

Hailing from its home base at Caboolture, VH-MFW (RAAF serial A20-695) is a stunning example of the CA-16—the final and most advanced production version of the Wirraway. While many heritage aircraft sport the classic camouflage of the Pacific war, this aircraft often appears in its striking, polished silver finish, representing the post-war era when Wirraways were the backbone of the RAAF’s training and Citizen Air Force squadrons. Restored to an immaculate standard and returning to the air in 1997, MFW is a testament to the thriving warbird community in Queensland. When it joins the lineup at Scone, it brings a flash of silver and that unmistakable, rhythmic Wasp radial growl that defined the sounds of Australian airfields for two decades.

Photographer: Motty – Aviation Spotters Online

GRUMMAN TRACKER

Experience the muscle of the Cold War. Tracker 844 (N12-15333) is the heavy-hitter of the HARS Aviation Museum fleet and a rare example of a carrier-borne anti-submarine aircraft still in the air. Originally a development aircraft for the S-2G upgrade project in the United States, it was one of sixteen Trackers rushed to Australia in 1977 to replace the fleet lost in the devastating HMAS Albatross hangar fire. Throughout its RAAF/RAN service, 844 operated from the deck of the aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne and flew tireless “Operation Seawatch” patrols out of Darwin. With its massive 22-meter wingspan (which can fold vertically for storage!) and its bristling array of sensors, the Tracker is a formidable reminder of Australia’s maritime defence history.

Photographer: Duncan Fenn

NORTH AMERICAN T-28 TROJAN

Commanding the sky with its massive presence and a signature engine growl, VH-NAW is a pristine example of the North American T-28B Trojan. Designed to transition pilots into the jet age, the Trojan is far more than “just a trainer” – it’s a high-performance beast that packs more horsepower than many frontline fighters from the start of WWII. This particular aircraft, finished in the striking “high-visibility” white and orange livery of the U.S. Navy, is a frequent star of the Australian airshow circuit. With its tricycle landing gear and huge canopy, it offers a commanding view and a level of aerobatic agility that belies its bulky, muscular frame.

Photographer: Duncan Fenn

WORLD-CLASS AEROBATICS

20250601 - Wings, Wheels & Wine - Mudgee - 14565

SKY ACES PITTS FORMATION TEAM

Get ready for a high-octane assault on the senses. The Sky Aces are Australia’s premier formation aerobatic team, led by world-renowned display pilot Paul Bennet. Operating a fleet of high-performance Pitts aircraft, this team defies the laws of physics with a display that is as poetic as it is aggressive. From synchronized loops and mirror-image rolls to their signature “Formation Hammerhead,” the Sky Aces fly with just metres between their wingtips, often at speeds over 400 km/h. This isn’t just flying; it is a masterclass in discipline, trust, and extreme mechanical endurance.

Photographer: Andrew Cunningham

Warbirds-Over-Scone-2022-credit-Ryan-Imeson13

WOLF PITTS PRO / PAUL BENNET

When it comes to aerobatics, Paul Bennet is in a league of his own. Capable of taming the Wolf Pitts Pro, the world’s highest performing biplane, Paul delivers a display that pushes the absolute limits of human physiology and aeronautical engineering. This isn’t just a flight; it’s a high-energy “freestyle” performance where the aircraft spends as much time tumbling end-over-end as it does flying straight. From the “Double Hammerhead” to high-speed low-level passes, Paul’s solo display is a masterclass in precision, featuring maneuvers that look like they belong in a video game rather than the real world.

Did You Know? Paul’s Wolf Pitts Pro is so powerful that it can actually accelerate while pointing straight at the clouds. Most aircraft lose speed the moment they go vertical, but with over 400 horsepower pulling less than 600 kilograms, Paul can literally “climb the ladder” until he’s nearly out of sight!

Photographer: Ryan Imeson

ZIVKO EDGE 540 / GLENN GRAHAM

If Paul Bennet is the heavy hitter, Glenn Graham is the precision specialist. Flying the legendary Zivko Edge 540, Glenn executes a display defined by “angular” perfection and snap-roll precision. The Edge 540 is the weapon of choice for Red Bull Air Race champions, known for its incredible power-to-weight ratio and a wing design that allows it to turn on a dime. Glenn pushes this carbon-fiber thoroughbred through aggressive “tumbles” and high-speed point rolls that happen so fast you’ll blink and miss them. It is a high-speed, high-G demonstration of what happens when a master pilot meets the world’s most advanced aerobatic monoplane.

Photographer: Ryan Imeson

WOLF PITTS 360 / JETT BENNET

The legend continues. As the next generation of the Bennet flying dynasty, Jett Bennet takes to the skies in the Wolf Pitts 360 – a high-performance biplane that bridges the gap between classic design and modern aerobatic insanity. Don’t let the “Junior” status fool you; Jett’s display is a high-energy, high-G spectacle that proves the apple doesn’t fall far from the hangar. The Wolf Pitts 360 is a custom-modified beast, featuring a shortened wingspan and a massive engine that allows Jett to perform aggressive tumbles and vertical maneuvers that would leave most pilots dizzy. When Jett pulls into that first vertical climb, you’re witnessing the future of Australian aerobatics.

Photographer: Ryan Imeson

FIREBOMBING DEMOS

FIREBOSS AT-802

In the heat of an Australian summer, there is no sound more welcome than the high-pitched whistle of an Air Tractor AT-802 turboprop. Operated by Pay’s Air Service, these yellow-and-blue guardians are purpose-built for the rigors of firebombing. Unlike general-purpose aircraft adapted for the role, the AT-802 was designed from the wheels up to carry heavy loads in turbulent, smoke-filled air. Known as a “SEAT” (Single Engine Air Tanker), it specializes in precision drops of water or fire retardant, working close to the ground to support firefighters on the front line. When you see it dive into a valley at Scone, you’re seeing the ultimate evolution of the “ag-plane” turned firefighter.

Photographer: Duncan Fenn

501973019_1158392246332395_2437057859718643773_n

TRANSALL C-160

Prepare to be dwarfed by the massive presence of the Transall C-160. Traditionally a tactical military transport for European air forces, this twin-engine giant has been given a new, life-saving mission by McDermott Aviation. As one of the largest “Large Air Tankers” (LAT) currently operating in Australia, the Transall is a game-changer for aerial firefighting. It combines the heavy-lift capacity of a cargo plane with surprising agility for its size, allowing it to drop massive quantities of water or retardant with surgical precision. When those two massive Rolls-Royce Tyne engines roar overhead, you are seeing the “Big Iron” of the firefighting world in action.

Did You Know? The Transall’s engines are incredibly powerful—the propellers are nearly 6 meters in diameter! To help it operate from short, rugged airfields, the C-160 features a unique landing gear system with 10 wheels that can “kneel,” allowing the aircraft to lower its fuselage for easier loading or to better distribute its weight on soft ground.

Photographer: The Barefoot Photographer

SPECTACULAR STATIC AIRCRAFT

Hunter+Warbirds+North+American+P51-D+Mustang

P-51D MUSTANG

Standing as a silent sentinel in the Hunter Warbirds hangar, this North American P-51D Mustang tells one of the most unique stories of World War II. Gifted to the Hunter Fighter Collection by the RAF Museum Cosford (UK) in 2023, the aircraft is a tribute to the late Flight Lieutenant Jack Cleland, a New Zealander who became the only RNZAF pilot to fly a full combat tour with the American 8th Air Force. While the RAAF operated hundreds of Mustangs, Jack’s story represents a rare “reverse exchange,” where a Commonwealth pilot donned an American flight suit to escort B-17 Flying Fortresses over occupied Europe. This airframe arrived in Scone after a 20,000 km journey from the UK, and its presence here commemorates the deep family ties and shared sacrifice of the ANZAC pilots in the global fight for freedom.

Photo: Hunter Warbirds

CA-18 MK.21 MUSTANG

Meet the aircraft that started it all. VH-AUB (RAAF serial A68-107) is arguably the most significant warbird in Australian history—it was the very first aircraft to be registered and operated as a private warbird in this country. Built by the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation in 1947, it served with the RAAF for over a decade before being “retired” to a life in the outback. It was eventually rescued and meticulously restored by the legendary Col Pay in 1980. For over 40 years, “AUB” has been the flagship of the Scone aviation scene, often flying in its iconic natural metal finish. While it is currently a prized static exhibit at the Hunter Warbirds museum as it undergoes a comprehensive overhaul, its presence is a tribute to Col Pay’s vision of keeping Australia’s aviation heritage alive and in the air.

Photo: Hunter Warbirds

HunterWarbirds_Collection_Mikoyan_Gurevich_-MiG-17F

MIKOYAN-GUREVICH MiG-17F

Step across the Iron Curtain and come face-to-face with the legendary MiG-17F. While most of the Hunter Warbirds collection celebrates the aircraft flown by the RAAF and its allies, this “Fresco” (the NATO reporting name) offers a rare look at a primary adversary during the Cold War and the Vietnam War. This particular aircraft is a Lim-6M—a specialized ground-attack version of the MiG-17 built under license in Poland by the WSK-Mielec factory. Generously donated by Jack McDonald, it arrived in Scone finished in a striking silver and red Polish Air Force scheme (marked “402”). With its extreme 45-degree wing sweep and bristling cannon armament, it remains a menacing symbol of the jet age’s high-speed evolution.

Photo: Hunter Warbirds

CESSNA L-19/O-1 BIRD DOG

Small, slow, and arguably the most dangerous aircraft on the battlefield – meet the Cessna Bird Dog. While it lacks the heavy cannons of a fighter, this nimble observer earned its keep by being the “eyes in the sky” for ground troops and artillery. Originally developed from the civilian Cessna 170, the Bird Dog was redesigned with a tandem cockpit and a “wrap-around” rear window to give the observer a 360-degree view of the enemy below. From the frozen valleys of Korea to the dense jungles of Vietnam, the Bird Dog would loiter low and slow over the target, marking enemy positions with white phosphorus (“Willy Pete”) rockets before calling in the heavy hitters.

Photo: Hunter Warbirds

Messerschmitt-Bf-109G-replica Firefly Upscaler 2x scale

MESSERSCHMITT BF 109G REPLICA

While the Spitfires and Mustangs dominate the skies, this Messerschmitt Bf 109G replica provides a rare look at the quintessential “German side” of the air war. This full-scale fiberglass and timber model has a story all its own—constructed originally for the massive 1988 Bi-Centennial Air Show at RAAF Base Richmond. For years, it was a familiar sight at Fighter World (Williamtown) before being generously donated to the Hunter Fighter Collection. Currently, it wears the markings of Oberleutnant Carl Hans Roders, a Luftwaffe pilot who lost his life over the English Channel in 1941.

Did You Know? The Bf 109 was the most produced fighter aircraft in history, with nearly 34,000 built. It was so effective that even after the war, it continued to fly in other countries for years. In fact, when the 1969 film Battle of Britain was made, the “German” planes were actually Spanish-built versions of the 109!

Photo: Hunter Warbirds

warbirds-over-scone-aircraft-Aermacchi MB-326 RAAF

AERMACCHI MB-326

Sleek, silver, and synonymous with the “Golden Era” of RAAF pilot training, the Aermacchi MB-326H—affectionately known simply as the “Macchi”—is a true icon of Australian jet aviation. This Italian-designed masterpiece was the RAAF’s primary jet trainer for over three decades, from the late 1960s until the early 2000s. Nearly every RAAF fast-jet pilot of that era, including those who went on to fly Mirages and F/A-18 Hornets, earned their wings in the cockpit of a Macchi. Its arrival in the Hunter Warbirds collection brings a piece of RAAF Base Williamtown’s history back to the Hunter Valley, where the aircraft spent countless hours training the next generation of “Top Guns.”

Photo: Hunter Warbirds

HunterWarbirds_Collection_Mirage_A3-44_C-Mark-Jessop_2022

DASSAULT MIRAGE IIIO(F)

Known as the “French Lady” for her elegant lines and lethal grace, the Dassault Mirage IIIO(F) was the RAAF’s first aircraft capable of flying at twice the speed of sound. This specific interceptor, A3-44, is a local legend; constructed in 1966, she spent nearly her entire operational life with No. 77 Squadron right here at RAAF Base Williamtown. Restored by the Hunter Fighter Collection in 2021, she is a bristling example of Cold War air superiority, complete with her distinctive delta wing and the snarling “Grumpy Monkey” mascot on her tail. Standing next to this Mach-2 icon, it’s easy to see why she was the pride of the RAAF fighter fleet for over 20 years.

Photo: Hunter Warbirds

HunterWarbirds_Collection_Winjeel_A85-426

CA-25 WINJEEL

Meet the “Young Eagle” – the aircraft that taught generations of RAAF pilots how to fly. The CAC Winjeel (a Victorian Indigenous word for young eagle) was designed and built right here in Australia by the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation. It was created to be the perfect classroom: rugged, reliable, and featuring a side-by-side seating arrangement that allowed instructors to sit right next to their students. While it may look friendly, the Winjeel has a “tough” side; after its days as a trainer ended in 1975, it was repurposed into a Forward Air Control (FAC) aircraft, marking targets for high-speed fighters with smoke grenades.

The aircraft at Hunter Warbirds, A85-426, is a true local veteran. It operated extensively in the Hunter Valley from its base at RAAF Williamtown and has been restored to its camouflage “FAC” markings. Best of all, this isn’t just a museum piece – it is a fully airworthy member of the Pay’s Aviation fleet!

Photo: Hunter Warbirds

HunterWarbirds_+Collection_Hawker_Hunter_+F74S_+RSAF_+546

HUNTER HAWKER

A masterpiece of British engineering with a distinctly local connection, the Hawker Hunter remains one of the most elegant jet fighters ever to grace the skies. This particular airframe began its life with the Royal Air Force (RAF) in 1956 before being transferred to the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) in 1973. Converted into a specialized reconnaissance aircraft, she spent years serving with the RSAF, frequently deploying to RAAF Base Williamtown right here in NSW for joint exercises and training missions. Donated to Fighter World in 1995 and now on loan to the Hunter Fighter Collection, she has been meticulously restored in the colorful markings of RAF 20 Squadron—a tribute to the Hunter’s decades of frontline service across the globe.

Photo: Hunter Warbirds