F18 Super Hornet

As has become the custom during the Brisbane Riverfire Festival, a RAAF F18 Super Hornet did some spectacular low level fly bys impressing the tens of thousands of spectators.  I managed to capture this exposure of the F-18 using a motion panning photography technique at an altitude of approximately 300 feet.

"The Boeing FA-18E and FA-18F Super Hornet are twin-engine, carrier-capable, multirole fighter aircraft variants based on the McDonnell Douglas FA-18 Hornet.  The FA-18E single-seat and FA-18F tandem-seat variants are larger and more advanced derivatives of the FA-18C and D Hornet.  The Super Hornet has an internal 20 mm M61 rotary cannon and can carry air-to-air missiles and air-to-surface weapons.  Additional fuel can be carried in up to five external fuel tanks and the aircraft can be configured as an airborne tanker by adding an external air refueling system."  (Wikipedia)

The photo captures the Super Hornets 'shock diamonds' and exhaust plumes which can be seen against the Waterfront Place building towards the rear of the Hornet. The atmosphere in compelling, these machines of marvel race across the sky as if trying to cut it in two. It’s difficult not to be mesmerised. Unless of course you’re one of those parents consumed with potential damage their children’s hearing. I observe them as they cup their children's ears with the force of an industrial vice.  A grimace of annoyance fills their faces, no one advised us that jets were noisy.  Seriously, stay home and watch it on TV, the Riverfire F18 Super Hornets are here to stay. You can download a free wallpaper (1920 x 1080, 72DPI) of the F18 straight to you desktop by clicking the below button.  If you're after a higher resolution of the Super Hornet (4996 x 3331, 300DPI) for commercial use, you can purchase that through my store.