Air Force unveils Canada 150 Demonstration Hornet

The 2017 CF-188 Hornet aircraft Demonstration Jet during its official unveiling at Hangar 7, 4 Wing Cold Lake, Alberta, April 4. Photo by Corporal Bryan Carter, 4 Wing

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The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) unveiled the CF-18 Demonstration Jet for its 2017 season last Wednesday to celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation.

The unveiling ceremony took place at 4 Wing Cold Lake, Alberta, where the jet has been hosted for the past few weeks.

Captain Matthew Kutryk, the 2017 Demonstration Pilot, as well as the technicians and support staff attended, along with local dignitaries and military members.

The unveiling gave everyone a chance to see the 2017 paint scheme, which has the aircraft fully-painted with a red and white design incorporating the Canada 150 logo.

The logo is composed of a series of diamonds, or “celebratory gems”, arranged in the shape of the iconic maple leaf. The four diamonds at the base represent the four original provinces that formed Confederation in 1867: Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Additional diamonds extend out from the base to create nine more points. Together, they symbolize Canada’s 13 provinces and territories.

On the left wing, the timespan of Confederation is shown with the year of Confederation, 1867, and the 150th anniversary year – 2017. The right wing bears the official name of the celebration – “Canada 150”. All aspects of the design come together to create a truly unique and fitting tribute to this important year in Canada’s history.

Painting the 2017 Demonstra­tion jet has been a team effort between 3 Wing, which provided the jet and technicians to bring the design concept to life, and 4 Wing, which provided hangar space and support throughout the painting.

Throughout the year, the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces will support the Government of Canada’s celebration of Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation, participating in numerous events across the country. The upcoming air show season is a special opportunity for the RCAF and the Demonstration Team to join Canadians across the nation in celebrating shared values, achievements and Canada’s place in the world.