Aviation Nation air show comes to Nellis Air Force Base to celebrate Air Force’s 60th birthday
There was an episode of “The Simpsons” where Sideshow Bob decried the tradition of the air show: “Air show? Buzz-cut Alabamians spewing colored smoke in their whiz-jets to the strains of ‘Rock You Like a Hurricane’? What kind of country-fried rube is still impressed by that?”
Yeah, it’s a little harsh and unfair, but it’s also funny. That said, the upcoming Aviation Nation air show sounds pretty awesome.
The Air Force will be celebrating its 60th birthday right here in Las Vegas, Nov. 10-11.
The air show, which will be held Nellis Air Force Base, looks to be the largest free event in Nevada. 150,000 people are expected to turn out to watch the flying demonstrations by civilian and military performers, including the legendary U.S.A.F. Thunderbirds.
A whole slew of fighter planes will be demonstrated at the air show. One of the highlights will be the F-22A Raptor, the Air Force’s most advanced fighter. For any World War II veterans, P-51 Mustang demonstrations are sure to bring back memories.
Also look for demonstrations of unmanned aircraft such as the MQ-1 Predator and the larger, more powerful MQ-9 Reaper.
I’m also happy to say that there will be demonstrations of my personal favorite fighter plane, the A-10 Thunderbolt II, which despite being an over 20 year old design is still in operation today. I know, with all the high-technology to be shown off, it’s a little strange to be so excited about such an old aircraft. But come on, the A-10 is the only fighter plane capable of housing the GAU-8/A Avenger Gatling Gun, one of the most powerful aircraft cannons ever flown (it can fire 3,900 30 mm rounds a minute and turn a destroy a tank in as few as six direct hits).
For more information, visit the Web site here.
