Dayton adds B-2 and Longbow to Line-up

Army’s Attack Helicopter Demonstration Added to Air Show Line-up
USAF B-2 Stealth Bomber Flyover Also Confirmed
Two Convenient Shuttle Bus Locations Added

Dayton, Ohio – The Vectren Dayton Air Show Presented by Kroger announced today two military additions to an already stellar line-up of performers for the 2009 show on July 18th and 19th. Spectators will be treated to a demonstration of the Army’s AH-64D Apache Longbow attack helicopter on each show day as well as witness the eerily-shaped B-2 Spirit stealth bomber flyover the Air Show on Saturday, July 18th.

Appearing for the first time in 2008, the U.S. Army Reserve Apache Longbow Demonstration hails from the 8th Battalion 229th Aviation Regiment, the famed Flying Tigers, of Ft. Knox, Kentucky. The Longbow is a multi-mission, next-generation version of the original AH-64A. The fire-control radar on the Longbow distinguishes it from other AH-64D models. Having logged thousands of combat hours in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, the US Army Apache Longbow conducts rear, close and shaping missions including deep precision strikes with its HELLFIRE missiles, rockets and 30mm chain gun.

Another powerful asset in the US military and a crowd favorite at air shows is the Northrup Grummen B-2 Spirit stealth bomber, which will flyover the Vectren Dayton Air Show on Saturday, July 18th. The amazing flying wing, the B-2, is based with the 509th Bomb Squadron at Whiteman AFB, Missouri. The B-2 is capable of flying 6,000 nautical miles while carrying 40,000 pounds of weapons. Its low observable or “stealth” characteristics give it the unique ability to penetrate an enemy’s most sophisticated defenses. Known for its ominous appearance, the B-2 has a maximum takeoff weight of 336,500 pounds and a crew of only two pilots.

“The Vectren Dayton Air Show presented by Kroger is one of the nation’s premiere air shows,” stated Michael Emoff, Chairman of the USATS Board of Trustees, producers of the annual air show. “The addition of the Apache Demonstration and B-2 flyover substantiates our fine reputation, and we are thrilled to present another blockbuster show for our spectators,” he added.

With families watching their budgets more than ever, the Vectren Dayton Air Show offers three ways that spectators can leave more money in their pockets. Discounted General Admission tickets are on sale now at all area Kroger stores, the exclusive advance ticket outlet for the Vectren Dayton Air Show presented by Kroger. Patrons will enjoy a $3 savings for adult, senior citizen and child tickets purchased at Kroger. This means that advance adult tickets are available for $16 while senior citizen and child advance tickets are $12 at Kroger.

The Show offers families a terrific bargain with its Family 4 Pack. The Pack includes 4 show tickets, 4 hot dogs, 4 Pepsis, 1 souvenir program and free General Admission parking for only $64.95, a 40% savings off the full gate price. But this great offer is not available at the show; purchase your Family 4 Pack by July 12th by either going to www.daytonairshow.com or by calling 800-585-3737.

For Air Show spectators desiring the best seats in the house, the all-inclusive Blue Sky Chalet, is now on sale for $89, a discount of $15 off the regular price. This is an exclusive 2009 show year offering. The popular Blue Sky chalet includes a continental breakfast, catered luncheon, afternoon snacks and unlimited beverages. Best of all you can enjoy the show from the comfort of an umbrella table seat, and air-conditioned tent with restrooms. Patrons also receive free parking and shuttle service. Like the Family 4 Pack, this offer is available through the show’s web site or by calling 800-585-3737.

Another convenience for spectators is an expanded express shuttle service provided by the Greater Dayton RTA. The shuttles run from the National Museum of the Air Force and the University of Dayton Arena parking lot. The shuttle service is $3 round trip. Children five-years-old and under ride for free. Shuttle service drops patrons at the show entrance and run continuously from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. Show general admission tickets are available for purchase on the bus. Call RTA at 937-226-1144 for more information.

Previously announced the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will headline the 2009 Vectren Dayton Air Show and will be commanded by Lt. Col. Greg Thomas, a Cincinnati native and graduate of Anderson High School in Cincinnati and Wright State University in Dayton. The Thunderbirds will be joined by a special appearance of the Brazilian Air Force Smoke Squadron, the Esquadrilha da Fumaça, a seven-ship formation team. Also announced earlier this year were, a US Air Force A-10 Demonstration, a US Navy Super Hornet Demonstration, Tora Tora Tora, an eight aircraft dramatic reenactment of the bombing of Pearl Harbor; Patty Wagstaff, three-time US National Aerobatic champion and 2004 National Aviation Hall of Fame enshrinee; the US Army Golden Knights; a US Air Force C-17 Demonstration; and Sean D. Tucker, a world-famous aerobatic pilot and a 2008 National Aviation Hall of Fame enshrinee.

Air shows are among the most cost-efficient family entertainment alternatives available today. With today’s discount announcement the Vectren Dayton Air Show Presented by Kroger is no exception. Please visit our website www.daytonairshow.com to learn more about Dayton’s premier summer event and other seating options available.

Founded in 1975, the Vectren Dayton Air Show Presented by Kroger is one of America’s premier air shows. The Air Show showcases world-class aerobatic champions, military jet demonstrations and entertainment for the whole family celebrating Dayton’s aviation heritage as home of the Wright Brothers, National Museum of the US Air Force and Wright-Patterson AFB. For more information visit www.daytonairshow.com


For more information contact:
Michael Emoff, Chairman, United States Air & Trade Show Board of Trustees, 937-221-7820
Brenda Kerfoot, General Manager, Vectren Dayton Air Show, 937-898-5901 ext. 133