The Temora Aviation Museum welcomes the Southern Knights Formation Aerobatic Team to fly as part of Warbirds Downunder at Temora Aviation Museum on November 2nd, 2013.
The Southern Knights Formation Aerobatic Team came together in 1997 and, since then, have performed at airshows around Australia. The team are some of the most experienced warbird aviators in Australia including Guy Bourke, Doug Hamilton, Steve Death, Peter Clements and Darcy O’Connor. The Southern Knights fly a precision display showcasing the demanding skills required when flying in close formation.
The four ship routine consists of various privately owned WWII vintage T-6 Harvards/Texans. The T-6 which is often referred to as “the pilot maker”, is a single-engine advanced trainer aircraft used to train pilots of the United States Army Air Force, United States Navy, Royal Air Force and other air forces of the British Commonwealth during World War II and into the 1950s. Designed by North American Aviation and powered by a 600 horsepower, nine cylinder Pratt & Whitney radial engine, the T-6 is known by a variety of designations depending on the model and operating air force. More than 15,000 of the various models were constructed throughout a ten year production run.
Southern Knights pilot and T-6 Harvard owner Doug Hamilton said “The Temora Aviation Museum’s Warbirds Downunder is the place to be to see magnificent warbirds and great flying. It is an absolute thrill to bring the Southern Knights together to perform for all those that attend. Our team is really looking forward to Warbirds Downunder 2013 and being a key part of this world class event”.
Warbirds Downunder is a marquee event for the Riverina region which attracts warbird and antique aircraft from around Australia providing a significant boost for the Temora and Riverina economy. Warbirds Downunder will take place on November 2nd, 2013 and will feature the Temora Aviation Museum’s aircraft collection including two Spitfires, Hudson, Meteor and RAAF Sabre plus a number of visiting antique and warbird aircraft. The RAAF will be supporting with the Roulettes performing a six ship formation aerobatic routine along with a high energy solo routine of the F/A-18 Hornet Fighter Jet.