Up early on a Sunday morning to go to Hampton, Va for the Airpower Over Hampton Roads Airshow. It was held at Langley Air Force base which I learned is the oldest military base in the state, and one of the oldest in the world. This was a celebration of its 100th year. The show had been rained out Friday and rain shortened on Saturday, but Sunday was a day with blue skies and that held from beginning to end. There was a lot to see and do with many vendors, displays of aircraft and some remarkable flying during the day.
Some planes there did not fly. This B1 did not take to the air, though that is how it got there. There was a lot of planes to look at, and all of them were really remarkable. Touring some of the bigger aircraft was also possible. Planes ranged from WWII aircraft to the most modern in the United States Air Force inventory.
The Budweiser Clydesdales pulled the wagon around the airfield as seen here in front of the United States Thunderbirds Aircraft. The Thunderbirds closed the show with a typically great performance. Watching them you are struck with the great skill of those pilots and the hard work that goes into their performance.
Many things to see and experience. There were a number of aerobatic acts, the Golden Knights parachute team from the US Army. The Army also brought a helicopter as did the US Navy. The Navy also flew an F-18 Hornet from the nearby NAS Oceana which is in Virginia Beach, VA. There were no dead spots in the skies.
This is Shockwave, which is powered by three jet engines and this truck holds the speed record for Semi trucks. That record is 376 mph. A problem developed with the truck so we did not get to see its speed, but it sure was impressive to watch it belch fire.
As I noted the Navy brought a F-18 seen here at left. Lots of great flying by what I think are the best pilots in the world. I also want to give a big shout out to all the military people who worked hard during the show to make it happen, and also could be seen both working and checking out the show as well. Langley is a big base and had a number of people who were off duty at the show. Everyone was real friendly and enjoyed talking to many of them while I was there. A big thank you to the Air Force for all they do for this country.
Many older aircraft flew including this P-51 Mustang (silver plane at bottom) and the F4U Corsair (blue plane at top). These two plane types flew in both WWII and the Korean War. In fact as was said during its solo flight the F4U actually flew during that conflict in combat. Many of the older planes survived because they did not, and were saved by that fact.
Enjoyed seeing the B-25 fly and a number of P-51's. In fact one of the planes I enjoyed seeing was a Mig-17 which was built in Russia and flew during the Korean War.
I really enjoyed seeing the flight demo of the F-22 Raptor. It is a Fifth Generation Combat aircraft and may be the only one that can do all the things this plane can do.
I was amazed watching its performance which was nothing short of awe inspiring. While the Thunderbirds were remarkable this was a real highlight for me. Not only is the plane supersonic but it is also stealthy and is seen here in flight with its weapons bay open. It carries all its weapons internally and opens the doors as they are needed to keep down the radar profile. I can also tell ya, at full afterburner the Raptor roars.
Seen here is a group from top to bottom which consists of a P-51 Mustang from the WWII/Korean War period, the Air Forces (and also will be flown by the US Navy and the Marines) F-35. The F-35 flown by the Navy will have a tailhook and some other features, and the Marines version will take off and land vertically. The F-35 is the plane in the middle. The plane at the bottom is the F-22 Raptor.
It was a great day! After the Thunderbirds (jaw was hanging open too much to take photos) headed back to Richmond with a big smile on my face and a lot of pride in the men and women of the US military of all branches of the service who have in the past, do in the present, and will in the future protect this nation.
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