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April 25, 2018

GEICO Skytypers Airshow Team Ready for Wings Over Myrtle Beach

MYRTLE BEACH, SC — The GEICO Skytypers Air Show Team has launched into their new season primed with a new flight demonstration display and loaded with a dizzying array of aerobatic maneuvers they will showcase next at the Wings Over Myrtle Beach.

The GEICO Skytypers carry the torch forward for the Greatest Generation of pilots, demonstrating their story high above the air show crowd as they display select war time maneuvers. Their dedication and skill continues to inspire many to want to learn more about the history behind these aircraft, and the aviators who piloted these silver doves through the smoke blackened skies of war.

Their historic Navy SNJ-2 aircraft, first used to train the pilots of the second World War, will highlight the deep blue skies over the Myrtle Beach Regional Airport this Saturday and Sunday. Tickets remain available for the city’s first air show in over a decade as the GEICO Skytypers co-headline their second show of the year with the Navy’s Blue Angels.

10485909493 bc923888c0 k — The Skytypers six World War II-era aircraft race Smoke-N-Thunder Jet Car in 2017. (Charles Atkeison)

“We are excited to reveal a new routine to our supporters for the 2018 Air Show Season,” said Lead Solo Pilot Steve Salmirs, who choreographed the Skytypers’ new performance routine for this season. “There is more dynamic maneuvering from the various aircraft, additional interaction between the planes in the air show air space, and some surprise elements developed to enhance and highlight the aircraft and pilots’ capabilities.

The six World War II aircraft of the GEICO Skytypers will blaze a trail above South Carolina’s Grand Strand the as they launch into their 12th anniversary season. These silver warbirds are based at the airfield in Farmingdale, New York. In between show sites, the aircraft rest in special hangers located on the western end of the Long Island community.

“Our narration will continue to educate audiences as the team demonstrates military maneuvers taught and executed from WWII to present day. The new performance is tighter and more demanding. We believe it will initiate an evolution towards enhancements in the future. We look forward seeing old friends and making new acquaintances at air shows to hear comments. We hope everyone will be pleased,” Salmirs added.

The squadron is lead by its commanding officer in Skytyper 1 Larry Arken. Skytyper planes 2 thru 6 are piloted by Chris Thomas, Ken Johansen, Chris Orr, Steve Salmirs, and Kevin Sinibaldi. Pilot Tom Daly also serves as lead solo and Dino Peros is an alternate opposing solo. Pilots Jim Record and Steve Kapur serve as the team’s advance pilots.

16988975800 f16350f21d k — GEICO Skytypers will blaze a trail above South Carolina’s Grand Strand this weekend. (Charles Atkeison)

It’s the aircraft technician team who keep history flying on the weekends. Lead by Frank Atria, his team of Mike Beecroft, Greg Coons, and Joseph McMillian, stay busy in keeping these historic aircraft in fine working order.

The team’s 20-minute flight demo is not their only feature during most airshows. The forecast of great weather over the airport will allow for the aircraft to create a massive sky written message each.

“Flying five aircraft in a tight, line-abreast formation, the planes coordinate in typing dot matrix-style messages with environmentally friendly puffs of white smoke,” Skytypers spokesperson Brenda Little confirmed on Tuesday. “A computer in the lead aircraft uses a custom-programmed tablet to send commands to the other planes via radio signals.”

The outcome is several massive letters the size of the Empire State Building which create messages in which someone standing 15 miles away in any direction can see. The speed of the aircraft in a line abreast formation can create nearly 25 characters in under two minutes.

When they are not bust performing, the team will spend their time at an air show site visiting education centers and hospitals with their public outreach program. Both the pilots and maintenance team members will also host student groups at the air show for a group discussion plane side, and the chance to climb aboard their aircraft.

GEICO Skytypers 2018 Air Show Schedule:

Apr 21-22 Vero Beach Air Show, Vero Beach, FL

Apr 28-29 Wings Over Myrtle Beach Air Show, Myrtle Beach, SC

May 5-6 Ford Lauderdale Air Show, Fort Lauderdale, FL

May 12-13 Tampa Bay AirFest, MacDill AFB, FL

May 18-20 Air Power Over Hampton Roads, JB Langley Eustis, VA

May 26-27 Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach, Jones Beach, NY

Jun 2-3 NAS Patuxent River Air Expo, NAS Patuxent River, MD

Jun 9-10 RI National Guard Open House Air Show, Quonset Point, RI

Jun 16-17 Ocean City Air Show, Ocean City, MD

Jul 14-15 Great New England Air and Space Show, Westover ARB, MA

Jul 25-29 EAA Air Venture Oshkosh, Oshkosh, WI

Aug 23 Atlantic City Airshow, Atlantic City, NJ

Sep 22-23 NAS Oceana Air Show, NAS Oceana, VA

Oct 6-7 Maryland Fleet Week and Air Show, Baltimore, MD

Oct 27-28 NAS Jax Air Show, Jacksonville, FL

(Charles A. Atkeison reports on aerospace and science. Follow his updates on social media via @Military_Flight.)

Watch and Listen as 70 Years of US Navy Blue Angels History Come Alive

Airshows

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April 22, 2018

Watch and Listen as 70 Years of US Navy Blue Angels History Come Alive

This Blue Angels retrospective was produced by the Blue Angels Association to celebrate the team’s 70^th Anniversary in 2016. The video intermixes performance footage tracing all the way back to the team’s original Grumman F6F Hellcat aircraft and personnel with music from the eras during which each aircraft was flown by the team along with still shots of teams and luminaries associated with the Blues over 70 years. The video was uploaded to YouTube by Blue Angels Association.

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US Navy Blue Angels F9F 5 Panthers in flight on 9 January 1954 — Official US Navy photograph

The Blue Angels have flown the Grumman F6F-5 Hellcat (1946), the Grumman F8F-1 Bearcat (1946-1949), the Grumman F9F-2 Panther (1949-1950, 1951-1955), the Grumman F9F-8 Cougar (1955-1957), the Grumman F11F-1 Tiger (1957-1968) the McDonnell Douglas F-4J Phantom II (1969-1973), the Douglas A-4F Skyhawk (1974-1986), the McDonnell Douglas (Boeing) F/A-18A/B/C/D Hornet (1986-2010), and the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet (2020-present).

Blue Angels Lockheed C 121 in flight 1968 — Official US Navy photograph

Additional aircraft operated by the team include the North American SNJ Texan trainer, The Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star trainer, and for a brief period, the “gutless” Vought F7U Cutlass fighter. Support aircraft for team have included the Douglas R4D Skytrain (1949-1955), the Curtiss R5C Commando (1953), The Douglas R5D Skymaster (1956-1968), the Lockheed C-121 Super Constellation (1969-1974, and the Lockheed C-130 Hercules (1970-present)- also commonly referred to as Fat Albert.

Blue Angels Newton John Travolta — Official US Navy photograph

The Blue Angels have starred in films and television many times since their inception- one of the first being a television series airing during the early 1960s. The song “Flying Blue Angels” performed by George, Johnny and the Pilots was a hit in 1961. Many films, documentaries, and videos have featured the team and their performances. Appearances on two episodes of Tim Allen’s television series Home Improvement and a couple of Mythbusters episodes also added to the team’s credits. Movie stars, presidents, and celebrities alike have always been drawn to the charismatic Blues.

A 4F Blue Angels raising landing gear 1984 — Official US Navy photograph

Watch as B-52 BUFFs Roar Past Low and Slow at Barksdale AFB

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April 21, 2018

Watch as B-52 BUFFs Roar Past Low and Slow at Barksdale AFB

Everybody loves the BUFF. Boeing’s B-52H Stratofortress is still a front line weapons system more than sixty years after it entered United States Air Force (USAF) service. Today many of the remaining USAF B-52Hs are based at Barksdale Air Force Base at Bossier City in northwestern Louisiana and Minot AFB at Minot near the Canadian border in North Dakota. YouTuber airailimages uploaded this gorgeous HD footage of two BUFFs working the pattern at Barksdale on April 2nd of 2018. If you relish the distinctive whine of those eight TF33s whistling past, don’t miss this one!

[youtube id=”O-4x6oFTQMw” width=”800″ height=”454″ position=”left”]

The first B-52H to appear is 61-0010 (CN 464437) named Junkyard Dog and assigned to the 20^th Bomb Squadron (BS) Buccaneers of the 2^nd Bomb Wing (BW) and based at Barksdale AFB. The other BUFF in the pattern is 61-0003 (CN 464430) named Miss Behavin’ and assigned to the 69th BS Knighthawks of the 5^th BW at Minot AFB.

131103 F RB551 994 — Official US Air Force photograph

The remaining B-52H-equipped Bomb Wings are the 2^nd Bomb Wing The Deuce and the Air Force Reserve Command’s 307^th Bomb Wing, both based at Barksdale, and the 5^th Bomb Wing Bomber Barons based at Minot. The 2^nd BW is made up of the 11^th BS School House, the 20^th BS Buccaneers, and the 96^th BS Red Devils. The 307^th BW includes the 93^rd BS Indian Outlaws and the 343^rd BS Avengers. The 5^th BW consists of the 23^rd BS and the 69^th BS Knighthawks.

140812 F KN424 099 — Official US Air Force photograph

The 23^rd BS and the 93^rd BS both celebrated more than 100 years of service during 2017. Between 1955 and 1992, the B-52s flown by these squadrons were Strategic Air Command (SAC) assets. From 1992 to 2010 they belonged to Air Combat Command (ACC). Since 2010 have been part of Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC). Today the 11^th BS School House owns training for B-52 crews and maintainers.

160916 F CG053 905 — Official US Air Force photograph

The Crusader: The Last Gunfighter Was One Impressive Engineering Triumph

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April 19, 2018

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The Crusader: The Last Gunfighter Was One Impressive Engineering Triumph

When Vought produced this retrospective film about their F8U-1 and F8U-2 Crusader fighter the days of the Last Gunfighter serving in frontline fleet squadrons were numbered. Their other fighter design of the period, the XF8U-3 Crusader III, was intended not only to compete with the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II but to keep the company in the fighter business for the foreseeable future. We all know that turned out differently, but the film does a great job of describing both aircraft and their capabilities in depth. Uploaded to YouTube by AVhistorybuff, this film should appeal to every fan of the MiG Master.

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F8U 3 Crusader III 1957 005 rgb — Official US Navy photograph

Vought’s F8U-1 and F8U-2 Crusaders equipped Navy and Marine Corps fighter squadrons between 1957 and 1976. The photo-recon RF-8 version served even longer. In the film the XF8U-3 gets quite a bit of screen time even though there were only five of them built. It is a bit surprising that the Crusader III was actually developed in parallel with the other Crusaders. The XF8U-3 was first flown in June of 1958 and reached speeds operational speeds of Mach 2.32 soon thereafter with Mach 2 attained in level flight. Powered by a single Pratt & Whitney J75-P-5A engine capable of 29.500 pounds of thrust with afterburner, the Crusader III’s thrust-to-weight ratio was an impressive .97:1.

The Crusader: The Last Gunfighter Was One Impressive Engineering Triumph 13 — Official US Navy photograph

Easily identified by its distinctive forward canted scoop intake, prominent retractable ventral strakes, and fatter aft fuselage necessary to accommodate the larger J75 engine, the Crusader III was, in the words of Vought test pilots, fully capable of “flying circles around” the F-4 Phantom. But like the other Crusaders the XF8U-3 was planned to be equipped with four 20 millimeter cannons (though they were not installed)- which at the time were thought to be obsolete. We all know that turned out differently too. Task saturation while operating the radar and fire control systems for the single pilot of the Crusader III was also a problem, but the final straw was the larger payload and fighter-bomber capability of the F-4. The XF8U-3 just wasn’t a multi-role aircraft. And it never would be.

42d747ee4c189aacf1c872da4b626ce5 — Official US Navy photograph

The F8U-3 program was cancelled. The five airframes built by Vought were transferred to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and used for testing. Of course the F-4 went on to become the Phabulous Phantom, famous in song and story. The Crusader went down in history as one of the most memorable jets its pilots ever flew and taglines like, “when you’re out of F-8s you’re out of fighters” became the stuff of legends. And the Crusader III? NASA pilots flying the cast-off XF8U-3s out of Pax River routinely waxed the sixes of Navy pilots flying F-4s over the Chesapeake until the practice was outlawed…by the Navy. Or so the story goes!

Vought XF8U 3 at Wallops Island 1959 — Official US Navy photograph

Military and Civilian Aircraft Highlight the Tuscaloosa Regional Airshow

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April 15, 2018

Military and Civilian Aircraft Highlight the Tuscaloosa Regional Airshow

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The thrust of jet aircraft and sights of the top warbirds of yesteryear filled the skies of western Alabama on Sunday during the final day of the Tuscaloosa Regional Air show.

Over 50,000 guests arrived early for a chance to witness both military and civilian performers, including the historic A-10C Thunderbolt II, popular aerobatic pilots Rob Holland and Adam Baker, and the air shows headline performer the Navy’s Blue Angels. Air show officials estimate crowds of nearly 20,000 parked nearby during the weather shorted single day event.

40770245054 f49f044112 k — The Navy’s Blue Angels solos perform their signature maneuver known as the Fortus.

Thunderstorms on Saturday cancelled the entire performance line-up, leaving a cloudy and cold Sunday as the lone flight day for several civilian and military demonstrations. As the opening ceremonies begun at noon, the grassy guest areas remained wet and the cold wind blew following the passage of a cold front.

Once Air Boss David Schultz was given the airspace around the airport, the flying began beginning with the opening ceremonies. The patriotic theme and the national anthem had the entire audience on their feet in support of both the military and local city police and firefighters on duty supporting the event.

The A-10C, nicknamed the Warthog, performed a 20 minute flight demonstration by pilot Capt. Cody Wilton showcasing the handling characteristics of this Air Force aircraft. Based at Davis-Monthan AFB in Arizona, the Warthog demonstrated the way it can maneuver at a low altitude and low air speeds.

“Our mission is to showcase the combat capabilities of the A-10, and to inspire the future generations of air power,” A-10 Demo Team spokesperson Sr Airman Betty Chevalier said on Sunday. “What makes our demonstration different than any other single ship aerial demonstration in the Air Force is most of ours takes place in front of the crowd.”

This year marks the return of the A-10 as a demonstration flight performer for the first time in seven years. The team is scheduled to attend 20 show sites in the United States, Canada, and Korea in 2018.

40770278984 957602c37c k — The A-10 and P-51 perform the Heritage Flight above Tuscaloosa airshow Sunday.

“I think my favorite maneuver is the double aileron roll just cause it happens so quickly,” Sr Airman Chevalier added as the her team moved across the gusty flightline. “Capt. Wilton performs two aileron rolls very quickly in front of the crowd.”

The Tuscaloosa air show included an array of both military and civilian static displays, including the UH-72A Lakota helicopter from the Alabama Air National Guard’s Birmingham 114th Aviation Detachment. The crew of the Lakota’s mission is simple — homeland security and support.

“It’s great to have the aircraft here for two reasons, one for recruiting and one for individuals to be able to see the aircraft,” Chief Warrant Officer 4 Timothy Cauley said as he and his team stood near their aircraft. “Even though the UH-72 has been in the army for ten years, it is relatively new to the general public, and so they do not have a full understanding of what we do and how we support the citizens and local state and federal law enforcement.”

29983425 10216201343812220 3795463593728946429 o — A UH-72A Lakota from the Alabama Air National Guard, Birmingham, attended the Tuscaloosa airshow on Sunday.

A twin engine helicopter, this UH-72 features a glass cockpit and the ability to perform rescue operations with the air of its external hoist system. Painted in Army green with darkened windows, the Lakota carries a Security & Support Mission Equipment Package which includes an electro-optical infrared sensor camera at the nose to aid in night searches and navigation.

Tuscaloosa air show officials are hoping to return again in two years with another great line up. An official announcement will be made no earlier than December.

(Charles A. Atkeison reports on aerospace and science. Follow his updates on social media via @Military_Flight.)

USS Harry S Truman and CVW-1 Are Loaded For Bear and Ready For Trouble

History

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April 13, 2018

USS Harry S Truman and CVW-1 Are Loaded For Bear and Ready For Trouble

On April 11^th 2018 the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S Truman (CVN-75) departed Norfolk for the ship’s latest deployment. The carrier and her crew of 6,500 sailors, along with the attendant Carrier Strike Group (HSTCSG), is headed to the Mediterranean Sea and points Middle East. Escorted by several guided missile destroyers, the carrier’s primary weapons are the aircraft and crews of Carrier Air Wing ONE (CVW-1). This video, uploaded to YouTube by Gung Ho Vids, shows the ships of the HSTCSG departing Norfolk.

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170821 N PE636 116 — Official US Navy photograph

CVW-1 consists of Strike Fighter Squadron ONE ONE (VFA-11) Red Rippers and VFA-211 Fighting Checkmates flying the twin-seat Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet, VFA-81 Sunliners and VFA-136 Knighthawks flying the single-seat Boeing F/A-18E Super Hornet, Electronic Attack Squadron ONE THREE SEVEN (VAQ-137) Rooks flying the Boeing EA-18G Growler, and Airborne Early Warning Squadron ONE TWO SIX (VAW-126) Seahawks flying the Grumman E-2D Hawkeye.

170829 N PE636 342 — Official US Navy photograph

Also aboard the Truman is a detachment from Fleet Logistics Support Squadron FOUR ZERO (VRC-40) Rawhides flying the Grumman C-2A(R) Greyhound along with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron ONE ONE (HSC-11) Dragon Slayers flying the Sikorsky MH-60S Knighthawk, and Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron SEVEN TWO (HSM-72) Proud Warriors flying the Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk helicopter. There are about 1,900 CVW-1 personnel aboard the carrier when the air wing is aboard.

US Navy 070917 N 8923M 001 An E 2C Hawkeye attached to the Seahawks of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron VAW 126 prepares to make an arrested recovery aboard Nimitz class aircraft carrier USS — Official US Navy photograph

The remainder of the HSTCSG consists of the Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG-60), and the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers USS Arleigh Burke (DDG-51), USS Bulkeley (DDG-84), USS Forrest Sherman (DDG-98), and USS Farragut (DDG-99) of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 28. Also sailing with the Strike Group is the German Sachsen-class frigate FGS Hessen (F 221). The Burke-class DDGs USS The Sullivans (DDG-68) and USS Jason Dunham (DDG-109) are also expected to sail with the HSTCSG after the Hessen eventually departs for home.

171019 N UJ486 592 — Official US Navy photograph

Commanding the HSTCSG is Rear Admiral Gene Black. The aircraft carrier Truman is commanded by Captain Nick Dienna. CVW-1 is commanded by Captain John Perrone. During the Truman’s last deployment to the Mediterranean and the Arabian Gulf, the ship steamed more than 53,000 nautical miles. CVW-8 flew more than 27,000 hours over more than 9,500 sorties including 2,000 combat sorties from the carrier’s deck.

F 18F Super Hornet of VFA 11 in flight in September 2012 — Official US Navy photograph

Blue Angels, Top Aerobatic Performers Arrive for Tuscaloosa Airshow

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April 12, 2018

Blue Angels, Top Aerobatic Performers Arrive for Tuscaloosa Airshow

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The Navy’s Blue Angels and the Air Force A-10C Thunderbolt screamed across western Alabama on Thursday as top military and civilian aircraft began arriving for the Tuscaloosa Regional Airshow this weekend.

The two-day family event will bring together aerobatic flying, great food, and a family-friendly atmosphere at a growing airport. Weather permitting, aircraft rides and a Kids Zone bounce area will be open to visitors each day.

Tuscaloosa city and airport officials welcomed the Navy’s flight demonstration team upon arriving at the regional airport at 10:29 a.m. As the headline performer, the Blue Angels are expected to draw nearly 70,000 attendees over the weekend.

The Blue’s six blue and yellow F/A-18 Hornets will take-off at around 3:10 p.m. each day to begin their nearly 42-minute flight demonstration. The six jet Delta Team will split into a Diamond and two solos minutes later as they perform nearly 30 maneuvers demonstrating the handling characteristics of the Navy’s Hornet aircraft. Stay alert for the solos’ famous sneak pass from behind the crowd.

“We are showcasing the tight formation of the diamond, and when the diamond is not in front of the crowd, the solos get to do their maneuvers,”LT Brandon Hempler, Blue Angels opposing solo pilot, said on Thursday. “Yes, we do everything from the high alpha pass showing how slow the aircraft can go, and we also do the famous sneak pass that hopefully catches a few people off guard.”

40522862565 1bc6d5d742 k — Blue Angels pilot LT Brandon Hempler is ready to perform over Tuscaloosa this weekend. (Mark Chandler)

This month marks the Blue Angel’s 72nd anniversary, and the team’s arrival into Tuscaloosa begins their fifth air show visit of 32 planned during the 2018 season. One Blue Angel pilot was grinning as he discussed with AvGeekery about their visit to Title Town, U.S.A.

“Hey, we all love Alabama, and I have watched a lot of football the last few years and it’s a great team,” LT Hempler, Blue Angels said as we stood in the shadow of his number 6 jet. “There’s a lot of great teams across the country, but, you know, Alabama’s a power house.”

The popular A-10C Thunderbolt II, also known as the Warthog on the flight line, will perform a nearly 20 minute display featuring the aircraft’s handling characteristics. The gray, low wing monoplane will demonstrate tight maneuvers, its ability to hold in flight over a small area, and its ability to perform short take-off and landings.

41418205731 13ff778f77 k — World aerobatic champion Rob Holland will perform over the Tuscaloosa Airshow. (Charles Atkeison)

Aerobatic champion Rob Holland will pilot his MX2, pilot Greg Koontz will offer a comedic spin during his flight, the historic De Havilland DH-115 warbird, and theU.S. Army’s current UH-72 Lakota helicopter from Birmingham’s 114th Aviation Detachment.

With the threat of rain is forecast over the area on Saturday, organizers confirmed that the air show will be held rain or shine. Umbrellas will not be allowed inside the gates, however show officials said that ponchos are allowed and will also be sold inside the gates.

Free shuttle service from three major parking lots will offer guests easy access to the airport each day. The former K-Mart parking lot, Tuscaloosa County High School, and Tuscaloosa Intermodal Facility Downtown Parking will each have buses ferrying guests to the air show beginning at 9:00 a.m.

The static aircraft displays and the popular kids zone will open at the same time the gates open to the public at 10:00 a.m. The national anthem and the first performance flights are scheduled to begin at noon.

The popular Kids Zone located near the static aircraft will allow children a fun way to pass the time prior to the aerobatic performances. Aircraft themed air slides, jump houses, and more will be available all day on each day, air show management confirmed.

(Charles A. Atkeison reports on aerospace and science. Follow his updates on social media via @Military_Flight.)

Tigershark: When What Might Have Been Became What Never Was

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April 11, 2018

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Tigershark: When What Might Have Been Became What Never Was

When this promotional film was produced during the early 1980s to extoll the virtues of the Northrop F-5G (F-20) Tigershark, the jet was in competition with the likes of the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon. Though it was an evolutionary development of Northrop’s by-then successful F-5E Tiger fighter bomber, the Tigershark was much more than just a single-engine Tiger. In the film the F-20 and its capabilities are described in great detail. This film was uploaded to YouTube by PeriscopeFilm. You Tiger and Tigershark fans should definitely enjoy it.

[youtube id=”Q_VcNlOTu8g” width=”800″ height=”454″ position=”left”]

F 20 Northrop colors in flight — Official US Air Force photograph

The F-20 was powered by a modified version of the same General Electric F404-GE-100 engine as those found in the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18A/B/C/D Hornet series of strike fighters. The single F404 engine in the F-20 was capable of producing 60% more thrust than the two GE J85 jets found in the F-5E, giving the Tigershark vastly improved performance. The F-20 was also equipped with a more modern and more capable avionics suite built round the AN/APG-67 multi-mode radar. At one time the F-20 was even envisioned as a dedicated aggressor aircraft for dissimilar air combat training (DACT).

F 20 Agressor — Official US Air Force photograph

The F-20 cockpit had much more in common with the F/A-18 cockpit than the F-5E, with several large multi-mode displays. The F-20 was capable of delivering the Mark 8X-series unguided bombs and the AGM-65 Maverick air-to-ground missile along with the AIM-9 Sidewinder and AIM-7 Sparrow air-to-air missiles. But because the F-20 was not that much less expensive than the F-16 its sales prospects were slim. Despite the endorsement of Brigadier General Chuck Yeager, after two of the three prototype aircraft crashed (causing two test pilot deaths) and politics overpowered the program, Northrop pulled the plug on the F-20.

Two f 20 in flying — Official US Air Force photograph

Tuscaloosa Airshow to Host Blue Angels, Top Military and Civilian Aircraft

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April 9, 2018

Tuscaloosa Airshow to Host Blue Angels, Top Military and Civilian Aircraft

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The Navy’s Blue Angels and many of the nation’s top military and civilian aircraft are poised to return this weekend to the skies over western Alabama for the Tuscaloosa Regional Air Show.

The two-day show is scheduled for this Saturday and Sunday, and will mark the Blue Angels fifth visit to Tuscaloosa during the last nine years. Tickets remain available for Title Towns’s first air show in three years, and will feature aircraft demonstrations, great food, and an aviation-themed kids zone.

“The Blue Angels deciding once again to come back to Tuscaloosa is a testament to our engaging, supportive community,” Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox said. “The community, volunteers, and partnering agencies take great pride in our regional shows.”

27480251438 f2f06e1e17 k — U.S. Navy Blue Angels return to Title Town U.S.A. this weekend for Tuscaloosa Regional Airshow (Charles Atkeison)

The Navy’s Flight Demonstration Squadron, also known as the Blue Angels, will headline the family event which will also feature several top performers, including aerobatic champion Rob Holland, Greg Koontz, the historic De Havilland DH-115 warbird, and the U.S. Coast Guard. Dozens of other aircraft will allow visitors to view static displays up close and even board a few.

The Blue Angels 40-minute demonstration by their six F/A-18 Hornets, will conclude each day’s performance schedule. Tuscaloosa Airport manager Jeff Powell is excited to have America’s Team back in the city. Smiling as we walked the flight line on Monday, Powell holds this show in the highest regard.

“The Blue Angels have been a great partner since the first Tuscaloosa Regional Air Show in 2009,” he said. “The squadron demonstrates the capabilities of our servicemen and servicewomen by producing one of the premier air show performances in the world. It is one of our key themes this year with the ‘The Greatest Show Above Earth’.”

The Air Force A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft has also been added to the shows lineup. Nicknamed the “Warthog”, the crew of this aircraft will demonstrate its handling capabilities near show center.

2018 04 09 1 — An Air Force Thunderbolt II sits poised awaiting it’s next flight demonstration on Sunday. (USAF)

Near the end of their flight, the Warthog will join a P-51 Mustang to perform the crowd favorite Heritage Flight. This A-10C is based at Davis-Monthan AFB, in Arizona, and are fresh from their flight demonstration over the heart of Texas on Sunday.

Seven-time U.S. National Aerobatic Champion and four-time World Freestyle Aerobatic Championship pilot Rob Holland will perform each afternoon. Rob is excited to not miss a beat this season as he pilots his MX2 aircraft in a dizzying array of aerobatics such as tumbling end-over-end.

“For our performers, we have focused on a schedule that appeals to all ages and activities throughout the air show grounds that provides a great experience for families,” Powell began. “One of our overall goals is to make this event something that guests of all ages can enjoy with our kid zone, static aircraft, and interactive displays, taste testing and sampling, and opportunities to meet a few of the pilots.”

The Kids Zone’s huge aviation-themed inflatables and a climbing wall will entertain children during the air show. A small one-time fee will allow each child unlimited use of the area for the day.

“The Tuscaloosa Public Library will also be on-site as well as the Home Depot to offer interactive activities with the kids,” Powell added. “From the air show itself, to the displays, to the activities- there’s something for the entire family.”

Gates will open to the public at 10:00 a.m. The static aircraft displays and the popular kids zone will also open at the same time. The national anthem and the first performance flights are scheduled to begin at noon.

Free shuttle service from three major parking lots will offer guests easy access to the airport each day. The former K-Mart parking lot, Tuscaloosa County High School, and Tuscaloosa Intermodal Facility Downtown Parking will each have buses ferrying guests to the air show beginning at 9:00 a.m.

(Charles A. Atkeison reports on aerospace and science. Follow his updates on social media via @Military_Flight.)

Check Out Canada’s 2018 Demo Jet Honoring NORAD’s 60th Anniversary

Mike Killian

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April 6, 2018

Check Out Canada’s 2018 Demo Jet Honoring NORAD’s 60th Anniversary

Every year, the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and their CF-18 Hornet Demo Team paint their air show jet in a special livery, and 2018 is no exception. In recent years paint jobs have included a Tiger design, a giant Maple Leaf honoring Canada’s 150th birthday, and designs honoring the history of various RCAF squadrons (such as the “millennium” design which included a “Dusk to Dawn” color scheme and commemorative colors for the 60th Anniversary of 410 “Cougars” Squadron).

2018 marks the 60th anniversary of the North American Aerospace Defense Command, or NORAD as it’s more commonly known, so the RCAF and CF-18 team decided to paint their 2018 demo jet to honor the cooperation between Canada and the United States in monitoring and defending North America together over the past six decades, shining light on the importance of honoring the past, guarding the present, and protecting the future.

29792740 1652853144807659 5624392178148048896 n — The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) 2018 CF-18 Demo Jet, painted in tribute to this year’s 60th anniversary of NORAD. The CF-18 jet is seen here joined by other jets from RCAF 401 Tactical Fighter Squadron, the RAMS. Photo Courtesy: Mike Reyno / SKIES Magazine

“As the Commander of the Canadian NORAD Region, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to showcase the important NORAD mission and our important bi-national partnership through the 2018 National CF-18 Demonstration program,” said Major-General Christian Drouin, the commander of 1 Canadian Air Division/Canadian NORAD Region. “The men and women of NORAD work diligently to keep watch over our countries and to protect the air sovereignty of North America. Twenty four hours a day, seven days a week, no matter what – we have the watch.”

The jet was unveiled to the world earlier this week at 4 Wing Cold Lake in Alberta, which is the busiest fighter base in Canada, and was painted by Aircraft Structures Technicians at 1 Air Maintenance Squadron at 4 Wing Cold Lake.

The big inspiration behind the design is the NORAD crest; all the elements of the paint job are taken from that. The colors key off of that too, with red and white colors representing the Canadian flag, and red white and blue representing the American flag, taking blue out of the NORAD crest as well. A wing-type shape on the wings reflects Canada’s famous Northern Lights, as well as radar sweeps, and is combined into one element. Lightning bolts shoot down the jet’s backside too, again taken from the NORAD crest, while a sword, star and maple leaf grace the jet’s tail.

“The design changed many may times, I’ve got about 65 different drawings for this airplane before it finally ended up at this design“, said Lead Designer, Reserve Captain Jeff Chester. “I hope that this design can be a badge of honor for all the men and women who stand the watch 24/7 in NORAD across Canada and the U.S.”

29598111 1651937701565870 2202155815719141376 o — The 2018 CF-18 in action. Photo Credit: 4 Wing Imaging

Capt Chester was mentored by world-renowned aircraft paint designer Jim Belliveau, who is well known for producing such incredible works of art on other aircraft in years past.

According to the RCAF, NORAD is supported in Canada by the Canadian NORAD Region (CANR), headquartered in Winnipeg, Man., and the Canadian Air Defence Sector (CADS) at 22 Wing North Bay, Ontario. CANR maintains CF-18 aircraft on standby at 3 Wing and 4 Wing, along with CC-130T Hercules air-to-air refuellers operating from Winnipeg, in support of the NORAD mission.

“Painting the new Demo jet requires a lot of preparation, outlining the design, preparing the surface, sanding, masking and cleaning, this job is 90% preparation and 10% painting“, said Corporal Daniel Jacobs. “There are a lot of minor intricacies that are involved to make the jet come out the way that it will. It is a special aircraft for more than just us, for everybody that will go to see it.”

capt porteous hero shot — Captain Stefan Porteous has been appointed as the pilot for the 2018 CF-18 Demonstration Team. Photo Credit: DND

Piloting this year’s CF-18 demo is Captain Stefan Porteous, a native of Comox, British Columbia, home of the RCAF’s 19 Wing, which also happens to be where both the CF-18 and Snowbirds teams conduct their spring training at before kicking off the air show season.

“I am extremely honoured to have been selected as Canada’s 2018 National CF-18 Demonstration Team pilot,” said Captain Porteous. “I am very much looking forward to commemorating 60 years of NORAD at air shows throughout the summer while having the opportunity to be part of a highly dedicated team that will work together to put on thrilling performances aimed at demonstrating the professionalism and skill of the men and women of the RCAF. I look forward to meeting as many people as possible over the course of the coming demonstration season.”

29791426 1652853171474323 4717842663498317824 n — The Royal Canadian Air Force 2018 CF-18 Demo Jet in action, painted in tribute to this year’s 60th anniversary of NORAD. Photo Courtesy: Mike Reyno / SKIES Magazine

Now, Capt Porteous and the CF-18 team are at 19 Wing Comox for spring training, before kicking off their 2018 air show season at the Power in the Pines Open House and Air Show in Trenton, New Jersey May 5-6, followed by the NORAD 60th Anniversary Air Show in Colorado Springs, Colorado May 11-12.

All total the team is scheduled to perform at 26 air shows this year, including two in the United Kingdom at Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton, and at the Royal International Air Tattoo at Royal Air Force Fairford.

29791574 1653179438108363 3147156793885458432 o — The entire 2018 CF-18 Demo Jet paint team. Photo Credit: OS Justin Spinello

Check out the CF-18 Team’s full 2018 schedule HERE.

You can follow the team daily as well on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

– Special thanks to Mike Reyno, Editor of SKIES Magazine, for his exceptional photography featured in this story. Subscribe to SKIES for his upcoming story on the 2018 CF-18 Team, where more unreleased images will be published of this beautiful jet in action.

– Follow Mike Killian on Instagram and Facebook, @MikeKillianPhotography.

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