RCAF Unveils 2016 CF-18 Demonstration Jet

Left to Right: Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) Alain Roy, the 4 Wing Cold Lake’s CWO, Colonel Eric Kenny, 4 Wing Cold Lake’s Base Commander, Mr. Jim Belliveau, design and paint crew lead, and Captain Ryan Kean, the CF-18 Demonstration pilot, during the CF-18 Demonstration Jet unveiling ceremony held at Hangar 2, 4 Wing Cold Lake, Alberta, on April 5, 2016. Image by: Cpl Bryan Carter, 4 Wing Imaging, CK04-2016-0278-004

Just in time for airshow season, the Royal Canadian Air Force has unveiled their CF-18 Demonstration Jet for 2016.

The unveiling ceremony took place Tuesday at the air force base in Cold Lake.

The design commemorates this year’s theme, the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, which ran from 1939 to 1945, and the 75th anniversary of the RCAF’s 400-series squadrons which makes up the basis of the modern RCAF.

Captain Ryan Kean will be flying the jet and says he is honored to be representing the Royal Canadian Air Force during this year’s airshow season.

“I hope to be a source of inspiration to our young Canadians the same way I was inspired myself as a young child,” said Kean. “I am looking forward to sharing with them my passion for aviation, hoping to motivate them to reach for their dreams as I did when I decided to become a fighter pilot. This year’s theme also fits well with the Demonstration team outreach mission as it ties together a pivotal moment in our Air Force’s history and its long standing relationship with our communities across Canada.”

The specially painted CF-18 Hornet features a unique commemorative paint job designed by veteran design director, Jim Belliveau, who’s based out of Cold Lake.

Kean adds it is always a privilege for 4 Wing to be entrusted with the responsibility to design and prepare the Demonstration CF-18 which allows the Royal Canadian Air Force to connect with thousands of Canadians and present them with proud moments of our heritage.

“This year again, Mr. Jim Belliveau has demonstrated incredible talent in capturing an idea as complex as the British Commonwealth Air Training Program. Mr Belliveau and our technicians outdid themselves bringing to life Jim’s idea. This jet will be for all to enjoy because of the hard work and commitment of our 4 Wing members.”

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