It is not uncommon for the air arms of many countries to allow, or even encourage, the celebration or commemoration of important unit or service achievements with the application of special markings to aircraft. Canada is one of those nations and the Canadian Armed Forces has long supported the practice. The Canadian Forces' CF-188 multi-role combat aircraft, known unofficially as the CF-18 Hornet, has been the subject of such artwork for most of its 41 years in service.
Usually of some military significance, an official theme for the CF-18 Demonstration Team is selected each year. A special design and paint scheme is created and then applied. The aircraft then carries the message to the public through air shows and displays across Canada, and often outside the borders, throughout the demonstration season that follows.
The 2011 theme for the CF-18 Demonstration Team deviated from the usual recognition of national, air force, or squadron anniversaries but it could not have been more appropriate. The theme chosen for the 2011 air show season was a tribute to military families. Family support for service members is always of great importance at any time but during combat operations takes on even greater significance. As part of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Canada deployed army, air force, and navy personnel to Afghanistan and the Central Asia region in support of the United States following the attacks against New York City and Washington, DC on 11 September 2001. Although recognition of the importance of military families was long overdue, a spotlight on their contribution to successful combat operations was very welcome.
This 11-page e-booklet takes a look at the 2011 CF-18 Demo Team aircraft. General views and marking details are presented for those with an interest in the subject. Information concerning the CF-18 and 409 Tactical Fighter Squadron is also provided.
Published in 2013, this e-booklet was a part of Aviation Miscellany No. 3 and is free to view at the PlanePixelBooks Publications blog linked below.
