The United States Air Force (USAF) and US Navy (USN) put on air shows at various bases and cities around the world to offer an amazing experience for attendees, mixing high-octane aerial performances with impressive displays of military air power. The shows captivate the crowd with precision and skill of elite pilots as they maneuver cutting-edge jets in stunning formations and daring stunts.
Air shows provide a unique opportunity for communities to engage with military aircrews, fostering a sense of pride and inspiring younger generations to pursue careers in aviation. Interactive exhibits, family-friendly activities, and the vibrant atmosphere make air shows a great time for all ages.
5 Thunderbirds kick it off
Luke Days 2024 at Luke AFB
The US Air Force flight demonstration team, also called “The Thunderbirds” fly in a tight formation at high speed, banking in sync over the field at Luke AFB. Kicking off opening day in a series of intricate and thrilling aerobatic maneuvers wowed spectators.
Photo: US Air Force
The awesome demonstration of man and machine in harmony is both a showcase of the skill of USAF pilots as well as a bid to inspire young Americans to pursue their dreams so that one day they can be the one at the stick.
General Dynamics ( Lockheed Martin ) F-16 A Fighting Falcon specs:
Engine: One Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-200 producing 23,830 lbf (106.1 kN) of thrust with afterburner
Crew: One
Maximum speed: 1,345 mph (2,164 km/h)
Cruising speed: 577 mph (928 km/h)
Range: 1,407 miles (2,267 km)
Ceiling: 55,000 ft. (16,764 m)
Span: 32 ft. 10 in. (10.02 m)
Length: 49 ft. 6 in. (15.10 m)
Height: 16 ft. 5 in. (5.00 m)
Weight: 29,896 lbs. loaded (13,560 kg loaded)
4 Greatest generation and the fifth-generation
Laughlin AFB Fiesta Flight
An F-35A Lightning II from the F-35 Demonstration Team on the wing of a North American P-51 Mustang in a heritage flight during the Fiesta of Flight Airshow at Laughlin AFB in Texas. The pairing of the latest fifth-generation fighter in the world alongside an icon of WWII is a striking reminder of how far we have come in aerospace technology.
Photo: US Air Force
During this show, families experienced interactive exhibits, explored education programs for future recruits, and discovered more about different missions undertaken by the Air Force.
Lockheed Martin F-35 A Lighting II (Joint Strike Fighter) Specs:
Power Plant: One Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 turbofan engine
Thrust: 43,000 lbf (190.7 kN)
Wingspan: 35 ft. (10.7 m)
Length: 51 ft. (15.7 m)
Height: 14 ft. (4.38 m)
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 70,000 lb. class (31,752 kg)
Fuel Capacity: Internal: 18,498 lb. (8,392 kg)
Payload: 18,000 lb. (8,160 kg)
Speed: Mach 1.6 (~1,200 mph / ~1,930 km/h)
Range: More than 1,350 mi (2,170 km) with internal fuel (1,200+ nautical miles), unlimited with aerial refueling
Ceiling: Above 50,000 ft. (15 km)
3 Tora, Tora, Tora!
Heritage Flight
This replica “Zero,” makes a pass during the Fiesta of Flight Airshow at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, trailing smoke in its wake. Originally a Harvard Mark IV trainer, was meticulously converted by 20th Century Fox in 1968 to authentically resemble the Japanese A6M2-21 Zero for the film
Wow: 5 Amazing Photos From US Air Force Air Shows In 2024
