Seinäjoki Air Show in June 2017 was an excellent opportunity to see even more HX program planes at the same time and place. Eurofighter Typhoon the Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet and SAAB Gripen were all there.

First of all I was thrilled to see the Boeing in the competition, as I said last year in Kuopio airshow they just had a small stand in a place where the “normal people” and the media,  including us bloggers, we’re not able to come. Now Boeing was in competition with Lock Stock & Barrel. Boeing had the greatest presence on site as they had a flight simulation cockpit and both Navy and Boeing personnel to tell people about the F/A-18 Rhino. As I have written before I have been a bit concerned that the US government might want to pressure the Lockheed Martin F-35 to be selected as a “Fighter for Finland” rather than the Boeing products.

But now all is well in the Republic, as the Boeing is firmly in the race. As a funny side note my brothers Son, 10 years old, enjoyed the F-18 most as they were  in take off and air performance the loudest plane around.

Saab how to Pavilion and really cool virtual reality experience with their Gripen game and 360 virtual experience. Saab also had many Swedish Air Force pilots with them from Luleå and 3 JAS-39 C fighters. Gripen’s air performance was slick and smooth and word that springs into mind concerning the movements of the airplane was “graceful and effortless”. Of course the aeroplanes we’re not laden in with armaments but still the JAS Gripen gave an impression of almost ballet dancer like grace in the air. Gripen flew on both days the same excellent performance.

As a side note I’d like to add that the existing F/A-18 Hornet C gave a really good show in the air display. It seemed to convey the word “power” as it flew a very kinematic performance where one often saw air current mustaches around the airplane. (may be hard to see on bad cellphonevideo).

Eurofighter typhoon was outside with 2 seater and single-seater RAF typhoons. They didn’t have a stand or Booth but nevertheless they had three knowledgeable gentleman in site. we had a long good talk about the pros and what might be corns of typhoon in Finnish Air Force service.

Typhoons air performance was also one slick thing. It was apparent that there are power in the droves, there is ample agility, and more where they came from. Unfortunately due timing and schedules the Eurofighter Typhoon only flew on Saturday.

And as I was not just gawking at aeroplanes and had good talks on every HX canditate, I will be getting on with them later. Also I’ll add videos later today or tomorrow.