It was 1939 when the Spitfire made its fighter & fighting debut in the skies over southern England in the Battle of Britain. The unmistakable shape of the elliptical wings and the sound of the Rolls-Royce Merlin engine made it one of the most recognizable airplanes of all time. It was loved by pilots of the RAF, and their allies, and was feared by the German Luftwaffe.

The CF-18 Hornet (F-18) is another aircraft that is unique in its own way. Its huge power-to-weight ratio that allows it to climb vertically from take-off and its multi-roll capabilities make it a formidable fighting machine. Even 30 years after it’s original debut, the Hornet (newest version called Super-Hornet) is a well respected and feared aircraft.

These two aircraft are generations and technological worlds apart from each other. The piston engine Spitfire fighter, with a top speed of around 400mph (later versions), is slow in comparison to the super-sonic jet aircraft Hornet that can exceed Mach 1.8. Seeing both in the air at the same time would be like watching a race between a Ford Model T and a Porche 911. However, in the air, the two aircraft together combine beauty, grace, and speed magnificently.

In Ontario, Canada the two came together to form what is known as the “Heritage Flight” over the skies of Brantford, Ontario as well as the Canadian International Airshow in Toronto. Performing several passes, both at high and low speed, these two superb aircraft graced the skies, both with individual passes and in formation.

With the CF-18 in slow, high-alpha flight, the two passed in close formation a number of times. The sleek lines of the Spitfire and the sharp, rigid lines of the Hornet compliment each other’s look. Though years apart in design, airframe and engine technology, and in capabilities, the two airplanes served purposes in completely different eras and, yet, even today, the two airplanes are still loved by the pilots who flew and fly them.

The CF-18 Hornet is flown by Canadian Air Force 3 Wing out of Bagotville, Quebec displaying the 50th Anniversary of NORAD logo on the tail-fins and is flown by Capt. William “Billy” Mitchell. The Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX is owned and operated by The Ed Russell Group Collection out of Niagara Falls, Ontario and is flown by Dr. Rick Volker.

Return to eFLYER