A rare sight is preparing to grace the skies over the Fraser Valley. While Abbotsford audiences will glimpse Canada’s fighter future in the F-35 Lightning II, we’ll also turn back the clock and pay tribute to our history with a special Royal Canadian Air Force Heritage Flight. This special formation features the current CF-18 Hornet alongside the P-40 Kittyhawk.

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 intends to paint this special warbird in Canadian colours.

This performance is scheduled for SATURDAY & SUNDAY shows only.