Langley AFB, Va. –
Coming May 5-7, AirPower over Hampton Roads promises attendees the best air show in Virginia, complete with the Air Force Thunderbirds, the Army Golden Knights, country music sensation, a display of the Air Force’s newest weapon of air dominance, the F-22A Raptor, and Langley’s own F-15 East Coast Demonstration Team.
The team, consisting of about 19 people, all center around the Air Force’s primary fighter aircraft – the F-15.
In January 1976, the 1st Tactical Fighter Wing, here, became the first combat unit to host the Eagle operationally.
Since, it has flown in every major U.S. conflict, maintaining air superiority with a 26:0 kill ratio during Operation Desert Storm in the Persian Gulf in 1991.
The F-15 East Coast Demonstration Team is just one of the six single aircraft demonstration teams assigned to Air Combat Command, according to the team Web site, http://www.langley.af.mil/ demoteam/. The team is comprised of one demo pilot, 10 maintenance personnel, four narrators and four safety observers.
The team mission says the team exists “to positively affect Air Force recruiting and retention, to educate the public on military preparedness, to demonstrate military weapons systems capabilities, to promote community relations and to demonstrate exceptional professional competence.”
During the air show, the demo pilot will run through 16 aerial maneuvers for attendees.
Should weather be inclement, it will run through 12 maneuvers designed to be more easily seen in thick weather.
The team will be onhand after the demonstration to talk with attendees about what they do and more about the F-15C Eagle.
The air show will host a number of food vendors for attendees, as coolers are not allowed. Strollers are allowed.
For details about times, displays, vendors and performers, visit http://www.langleyairshow.com.