A Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) F/A-18A/B Hornet from No. 77 Squadron based at RAAF Base Williamtown will perform an aerial display at the Coates Hire Newcastle 500. The aircraft will reach speeds of more than 1000km/h and will track from the south over the city at a height of 450m along the river - conducting an aerial handling display centered over the Newcastle Harbour precinct.

Following the aerial display, the F/A-18A/B Hornet will perform a low-level flypast over pit straight on Saturday, and again on Sunday to mark the start of the main race. The Hornet will run in from the east and conduct a low-level pass over pit straight at an altitude of around 120m and at speeds of up to 900km/h before making its departure over the Newcastle Cathedral and tracking north on its return journey to RAAF Base Williamtown.

DATE: Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 November

TIME: Aerial handling display 3.50pm to 3.58pm

Low-level flypast 4.05pm to 4.06pm

All flying is subject to change - including cancellation - due to variables such as weather, air traffic control, operational availability and other aviation considerations.

More information on Australian Defence Force support to the Coates Newcastle 500 is available on our event site.