A rare sight is preparing to grace the skies over the Fraser Valley. We will help celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force with a very special Heritage Flight. This unique formation features the current CF-18 Hornet alongside the WWII-era P-40 Kittyhawk and Korean-War era T-33 Silver Star.

The CF-18 Hornet (officially the CF-188) has been Canada’s multi-role fighter aircraft since 1980. It is used for air defence, air superiority, ground attack, tactical support, training, aerobatic demonstration, and aerospace testing and evaluation. The Hornet is a fast, light and maneuverable aircraft and its versatility has allowed it to particiate in many military operations in Canada and around the world as part of NORAD and NATO operations.

The Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawk was a common allied fighter and ground-support aircraft during World War II. Primarily operated by the United States, Great Britain, Australia and Canada, the Kittyhawk was also known as the Warhawk or Tomahawk depending on the variant and operator. Canada operated a total of 13 P-40 units between 1941 and 1945. Interestingly, P-40s stations in British Columbia were involved in the interception and destruction of two Japanese “balloon-bombs” in 1945. In preparation for this special flight, the Erickson Collection has painted this warbird in historic Canadian colours.

The Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star was the first Allied jet fighter aircraft, originally employed by the US Army Air Forces and US Navy. Canadair built more than 650 of the Canadian variant, the CT-133 Silver Star, for use by the Royal Canadian Air Force as a jet trainer. The Silver Star saw RCAF service for more than 50 years from 1952-2005. The aircraft being flown in the Heritage Flight is a former RCAF Canadair-built Silver Star.

This performance is scheduled for SATURDAY & SUNDAY shows only.