2017 CF-18 “Demonstration” Hornet
After much anticipation, on Apr. 4, 2017 the Canadian Armed Forces CF-18 “Demonstration” Hornet Team presented the cool 2017 demo jet.
According to a Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) news release, 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 for the 2017 Demonstration Team attended, along with local dignitaries and military members.
The unveiling gave everyone in attendance a chance to see, for the first time, the 2017 paint scheme, which, as we have already explained, has the aircraft fully-painted with a red and white design incorporating the Canada 150 logo.
The 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.
The 2017 Demonstration jet has been painted thanks to 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.
In the upcoming air show season, 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.
Photo credit: Royal Canadian Air Force
