F-16 Thunderbirds Demo Team
The Thunderbirds perform for people all around the world to display the pride, precision and professionalism the U.S. Air Force represents. Through air shows and flyovers, they aim to excite and inspire. In addition to showcasing the elite skills all pilots must possess, the Thunderbirds demonstrate the incredible capabilities of the Air Force’s premier multi-role fighter jet, the F-16 Fighting Falcon.
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The demonstration is a mix of six aircraft performing formation flying and solo routines. The four-ship Diamond formation showcases the precision and training of U.S. Air Force Pilots, as well as the gracefulness of the F-16. The two solos display the power and maximum capabilities of the mighty F-16 Fighting Falcon, a frontline fighter.​
F-35 Demo Team
The F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team is a United States Air Force flight demonstration team under the 388th Fighter Wing currently stationed at Hill Air Force Base in Davis County, Utah. The team flies the USAF's F-35A fighter jet at airshows performing air maneuvers that demonstrate the super maneuverability of the F-35A. Examples of these demonstrations include the minimum radius turn to high alpha loop, weapons bay door pass, pedal turn, slow speed to power climb and tactical pitch.
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The demonstration team was founded in late 2018 and was originally stationed at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona, It moved to Hill Air Force Base in 2019.
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The current demonstration pilot and commander of the team is Captain Melanie "Mach" Kluesner. Captain Kluesner takes over for the former demonstration pilot and team commander, Major Kristin "Beo" Wolfe.
KC-135
Demo Team
The KC-135 Stratotanker provides the core aerial refueling capability for the United States Air Force and has excelled in this role for more than 60 years. This unique asset enhances the Air Force's capability to accomplish its primary mission of global reach. It also provides aerial refueling support to Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and allied nation aircraft.
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The KC-135 is also capable of transporting litter and ambulatory patients using patient support system can hold a mixed load of passengers and cargo. Depending on fuel storage configuration, the KC-135 can carry up to 83,000 pounds of cargo.
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The KC-135 demo team, officially the Fairchild AFB KC-135 Demonstration Team, is based at Fairchild Air Force Base in Washington state and showcases the capabilities of the KC-135 Stratotanker, a vital aerial refueling aircraft for the U.S. Air Force.
Wingwalker Sam
Wingwalker Sam has honed her craft at shows across North America
since 2014. A decade later, she is pleased to debut her roaring, smoke-
bellowing, beautiful Grumman Showcat.
Pilot Mike has flown precision aerobatics at shows since 2011.
Spectators are in for a treat as he skillfully demonstrates the Showcat’s
capabilities in two mesmerizing surface-level displays:
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Smoke n Thunder Jet Show
Smoke-n-Thunder Jet Shows, led by driver Bill Braack, specializes in high-speed, jet-powered vehicle performances at air shows and events across North America. Their main attractions include the Smoke-n-Thunder JetCar and the Hot Streak II JetTruck, both designed to deliver thrilling experiences for spectators.
Smoke-n-Thunder JetCar:
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Engine: Equipped with a Westinghouse J34-48 jet engine, originally used in the North American Buckeye T-2A aircraft.
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Performance: Capable of accelerating from 0 to 300 mph in under six seconds, reaching speeds approaching 400 mph. The JetCar often races against aircraft, showcasing its remarkable acceleration and speed.
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Undaunted Airshows
Undaunted Airshows delivers dynamic, fan-focused aerial performances, emphasizing precision formation aerobatics and engaging audience interactions. Pilots Stephen Christopher ("Christo") and Todd Rudberg ("Woody") lead the team, each bringing extensive experience and passion for aviation.
Performance Highlights:
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Formation Aerobatics: The duo executes precise two-ship formation maneuvers, including towering separations, head-to-head passes, and challenging rejoins, filling the performance area with continuous action.
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Fan Engagement: Post-performance, Stephen and Todd interact directly with spectators, offering high-fives, distributing buttons and stickers, and treating every fan like a VIP.
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Mustang High Flight Airshows
Mustang High Flight Air Shows specializes in delivering high-energy aerobatic performances featuring classic warbirds, including the P-51 Mustang, Dornier Alpha Jet, and A-37 Dragonfly.
Aircraft Fleet:
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P-51 Mustang "DiamondBack": A TF-51 variant with a rich military history, notably winning the 1984 Reno Air Races as "Stiletto."
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P-51 Mustang "Hell-er Bust": A stock P-51 Mustang equipped with authentic features such as guns, ammunition, seat armor, fuselage fuel tank, and replica 500-pound bombs.
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Dornier Alpha Jet: Offers loud, high-energy jet aerobatics with wing smoke, smoke rings, and dynamic maneuvers.
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A-37 Dragonfly: Performs tight, fast attack jet maneuvers accompanied by wing smoke and smoke rings.
Mini Jet Airshows
Mini Jet Airshows delivers high-energy aerobatic performances featuring a highly modified SubSonex Jet, known as JSX003. This experimental aircraft weighs 500 lbs, reaches speeds up to 300 mph, and is fully aerobatic. Powered by a PBS TJ-100 jet engine from the Czech Republic, it produces 258 lbs of thrust and consumes 45 gallons of jet fuel per hour at full throttle. The jet is uniquely wrapped in vinyl, similar to a show car, and features a custom smoke system that burns about 7 gallons of smoke oil per show, creating a dramatic visual effect.
The pilot, Tom "Lark" Larkin, has amassed over 10,000 flight hours across more than 55 different aircraft, with approximately 8,000 hours in jets. His aviation career includes roles as a T-38 instructor pilot, F-15C pilot with 22 missions in Northern Iraq, and an instructor for the Air Force Fighter Lead-In School in the AT-38. Currently, he serves as a captain, instructor, and evaluator in the 737 for a major airline. Mini Jet Airshows represents the culmination of his 30-plus-year dream to own and fly a mini jet in airshows.
