US AIR FORCE TO STAR IN SPECTACULAR INDYCARNIVAL AIR SHOW:

Up to 10 aircraft from the United States Air Force are set to make next year's IndyCarnival air show the biggest yet.

Two top American fighter pilots visited the Gold Coast recently to confirm the USAF ill be part of the air show for the first time in Indy's five years.

(84,020 bytes) They are expected to join the Royal Australian Air Force, Australian Army and United States Marine Corps, plus private machines, in a display of around 30 aircraft in the skies over the Surfers Paradise track from March 16th to 19th.

USAF Major Keith Rimer and Captain Steve Pulley inspected the track area, over which they will fly nine F4 Phantoms and the F16 fighters and a Boeing KC135 tanker plane.

Air show organiser Fred Merrett took the pilots to the top of the Marriott Surfers Paradise Resort, where a temporary air traffic control centre will be established.

IndyCar Australia Chief Executive Glen Jones said the USAF planes would be a major addition to the IndyCarnival fifth anniversary program.

"This year the Marine pilots in their FA18s and Harriers and our own Air Force Roulettes and Army Blackhawk pilots were a huge hit. They were breathtaking in the air and as popular as the IndyCar drivers at social functions," Mr Jones said.

"I know I speak for every IndyCarnival ticket holder in saying it will be fantastic to have the US Air Force join us."

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