Specially designed for close air support, the A-10 Thunderbolt II has excellent maneuverability at low air speeds and altitude as well as a highly accurate weapons-delivery system. The venerable Warthog, dubbed for its unglamorous appearance, came into the Air Force inventory in 1975 and no one guessed that it would still be a valuable asset in 2011. In fact, days ago the A-10 Thunderbolt was ordered to Libya to support US military efforts in Operation Odyssey Dawn. With several upgrades through the years, it’s one tough fighter as the Warthog can survive direct hits from armor-piercing and high explosive projectiles up to 23mm and fly when hydraulic power is lost. Known as the “tank buster”, the Thunderbolt has contributed in many military operations including Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. The Air Combat Command East Coast A-10 Demonstration Team, from Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, will provide this year’s Thunderbolt Demonstration. Leading this year’s team and flying the demo will be Major Dylan “HABU” Thorpe, who was born in Danville, Illinois and grew up in Woodland Park, Colorado.
Another “big” hit on the air show circuit is a demonstration by the massive US Air Force
C-17 Globemaster III. The C-17, the newest, most flexible cargo aircraft in the Air Force will provide an engaging demonstration for air show spectators in Dayton this year. This enormous aircraft is nearly 200 feet long and 55 feet high and has a maximum gross takeoff weight of 585,000 pounds. The versatile aircraft can perform tactical airlift and airdrop missions and can also transport litters and ambulatory patients during aeromedical evacuations when required. Recently the C-17 was in the Dayton news as the 445th Airlift Wing at Wright-Patterson AFB announced that the unit will begin replacing their aging C-5 aircraft with eight C-17s. The aircraft performing at this year’s show hails from the 58th Airlift Squadron, 97th Air Mobility Wing, Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma.
“This is great news from the Air Force,” said Michael Emoff, Chairman of the United States Air & Trade Show Board of Trustees, producers of the show. “These awesome demonstrations along with those we’ve already announced will make for a terrific show in 2011. And, we’re not finished adding to lineup; you’ll see some other fantastic performers announced in a few weeks,” Emoff added.
Previously publicized, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will have top billing at the Vectren Dayton Air Show along with first time appearances by the Red Bull Helicopter flown by Chuck Aaron along with industry first, an all-women wing walking routine featuring pilot Melissa Pemberton and Carol Pilon. Rounding out the line-up will be crowd favorite, Tora Tora Tora, an eight-plane emotional reenactment of the bombing of Pearl Harbor complete with pyrotechnics, the all-American US Army Golden Knight Parachute Team, and air show legendary pilot Sean D. Tucker.
A variety of ticket packages are on sale through the show’s web site, www.daytonairshow.com. Popular areas such as the Blue Sky Chalet and LaRosa’s Pavilion are sure to be sell outs. Visit the show’s website for further information.
Beginning June 6th, 2011, Kroger will be exclusively offering $3.00 off adult and children tickets.
This offer will be conveniently available at over 100 Kroger stores in the Dayton-Cincinnati region. Kroger discount tickets are good for either Saturday or Sunday admission.
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.
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