WORDS & IMAGES: CLAUDE LAFRENIERE
After a five-year absence, the Bagotville International Airshow (SAIB) returned in 2024 with great success. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, SAIB adapted its format in 2021 to a flying tour called “SAIB21 – Operation Good Neighbor.” The restructuring of the Canadian Armed Forces then postponed SAIB23, originally set for June 2023, by a year, but the show made a triumphant return in 2024 with 151,000 visitors, surpassing the 2019 record.
The static display included a large variety of RCAF types, including the CC-130J, CC-150, CP-140 and CC-144, as well as a visiting C-130J from Italy and two aircraft from the US Air Force: a KC-46A Pegasus and KC-135R Stratotanker. However, the static display was notable for its many absenses, including an E-3, B-52, CC-330, F-22 and F-15s, all withdrawn due to operational commitments. The warbird line up was also depleted; notable omissions included the TBM Avenger, Sea Fury, T-28B and T-28C Trojans, T-6 Texan, Waco YMF, and CT-133 Mk.III. The sole warbird on display was a C-47.
SIAB 2024 was an airshow with an international atmosphere, and the flying display featured 15 acts with performers and teams from Canada, the USA, the UK, and Italy. The highlight was the traditional mass attack involving four CF-188A Hornets and two CF-188Bs . This performance simulated a stealth mission on an enemy air base, where the six CF-188s appearing spectacularly from behind the crowd and perpendicular to the runway. Immediately after this pass, the CF-188s split into pairs to carry out simulated strikes before the enemy could react.
The attack continued with a series of simulated strikes at between 500 and 1000 feet, with strafing in pairs. Each pass would, in a real context, have destroyed the runways, aircraft on the ground or attempting to take off, as well as buildings and bunkers with JDAM-type guided munitions, while the armoured vehicles would have been neutralised by GBU-49 type bombs. The audience had to use their imagination to immerse themselves in this scenario, as no bombs were dropped, no missiles were fired, and no sound effect was used. In addition, since the SAIB became carbon neutral in 2019, no pyrotechnics or explosions with fire and smoke are used on the ground, unlike in previous editions where they reinforced the attack simulations.
The demonstration concluded with a regrouping of the CF-188s in delta formation for a final pass, followed by an execution of the missing man formation, paying tribute to the fallen airmen. Back on the ground, the six CF-188s taxied in tight formation in an “elephant march” back to their hangar.
More fast jet action came from three solo displays. Captain Melanie Kluesner led a stunning performance with the USAF F-35A Lightning II at SAIB24, beginning with a powerful max-thrust takeoff, and highlighting the F-35’s maneuverability during manoeuvres such as the Square Loop and exclusive high AoA Pedal Turns. However, Kluesner opted not to fly in the rain on Sunday, sparking jokes about Canada needing to keep old CF-18s for rainy days.
Captain David Turnbull delivered a powerful performance with the RAF Typhoon FGR.4, conducting a flawless performance in Sunday’s heavy rain – the first North American airshow demonstration by a Typhoon, and Captain Caleb Roberts showcased the RCAF’s CF-188A Hornet – a display that remains a crowd favourite, although comparisons with the newer F-35 and Typhoon highlighted its limitations. As well as their solo displays, the CF-188A performed a Victory Flight with a Spitfire Mk.IX, Mustang Mk.4 and Hurricane Mk.XII, and as an added bonus, there was also a heritage flight involving the CF-188, Typhoon and Spitfire.
There were two national aerobatic teams at SAIB; the Snowbirds performed their new 2024 routine, which includes over 50 formations and manoeuvres, leaving a lasting impression on the audience. The Italian Frecce Tricolori team, making their first Canadian appearance since 1992, dazzled with their Aermacchi AT-339A aircraft. Known for their precision and synchronization, their performance included a massive Italian flag created with colorful smoke and rare solo manoeuvres such as the tailslide and lomcovak.
The imminent arrival of the F-35 at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Bagotville casts uncertainty on the future of SAIB. The advanced capabilities and sophisticated defense systems of the F-35 will necessitate increased security measures, potentially including expanded restricted zones, enhanced security screenings and restrictions on public proximity. Such measures could affect the logistics of the SAIB, limiting the types of performances and interactions previously offered.
There is certainly pubic concern about how these changes will affect the future of SAIB and what adjustments will be required to continue delivering exceptional air shows under the new safety standards. Despite these challenges, SAIB’s legacy remains strong, and – hosting the Canadian debut of the RAF Typhoon solo display, and the first stop of the Frecce Tricolori’s North American tour – SIAB 2024 was a landmark event that not only celebrated the RCAF’s centenary, but the excellence of the wider international aerospace and defence industries.