Visitors to Classics of the Sky – Strikemasters at Sundown on Saturday will see the first local display of a new aircraft to the air show circuit.

The Royal New Zealand Air Force plans to display one of the new T6C-Texan ll trainer aircraft for the first time in Tauranga at the Classics of the Sky – Strikemasters at Sundown on January 21.

Replacing the CT4-E aircraft as pilot trainers, and also as the RNZAF display team, the new Texan display team is developing an air show display routine for the upcoming air show season.

The NZ Defence Force also plans to display a C-130 Hercules, an SH-2G Seasprite helicopter, a Pinzgauer light operational vehicle and the military police dogs. NZDF recruiters will also attend the air show.

An iconic amphibious aircraft is expected back in Tauranga for the first time at an air show for many years. The Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina will be a welcome sight in the Tauranga skies this week and at the show.

Plans for high speed vehicle races down the airport runway are well underway. One of the superbikes on the display list is the 2014 Suzuki Hayabusa, which broke the land speed record for the Ashburton Speed trials in December, with a top speed of 308.7km/hr.

Other vehicle races planned include a group of high performance dragsters, and the Nissan GT-R 35 from Farmer Autovillage racing against the Yakovlev-Yak 55. Aircraft on display also include classic, sport, aerobatic and RC model aircraft too.

The public can purchase a ride in a BAC Strikemaster Jet or the P51 Mustang. Gates open to the public from 1pm. ‘Live' displays start at 4pm.

There is plenty of parking on the field, as well as lots of food and beverage sites. BYO alcohol is not permitted.

For more information go to: www.tcas.co.nz Or email: airshow@classicflyersnz.com or phone 07 5724000.