air show performers
there’s something in the air
Each year, the Air Races feature spectacular air show performers to keep you entertained all day. Detailed daily air show and racing schedules for the current year are available beginning in August.
U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds
The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron performs precision aerial maneuvers, exhibiting their modern high performance aircraft and professional skill while entertaining and astounding their audiences.
These Air Force ambassadors travel the world and, this September, they'll visit the National Championship Air Races in Reno, Nev. showcasing their integrity, selfless service and excellence.
The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will make their spectacular arrival Wednesday, Sept. 14, performing an astounding routine on Thursday, Sept. 15 and leave us with an audacious departure on Friday, Sept. 16.
U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor
This September, the F-22 Raptor will grace the skies over northern Nevada. The Raptor is the future realized. A plane so versatile, so capable and so hard to comprehend, no two descriptions are ever the same. The F-22 Raptor employs a state-of-the-art thrust system that allows the aircraft to pivot 360 degrees in all directions at practically any speed. Come and witness the power of this aircraft as it performs Friday through Sunday, September 16-18, 2011 at the National Championship Air Races.
Navy Leap Frog Team
This Navy Parachute Team, made up of fourteen jumpers, leap out of aircraft at an altitude of more than 12,000 feet. As they free fall, the jumpers reach speeds of up to 180 miles per hour. Deploying their blue and gold parachutes at just 5,000 feet, the Leap Frogs create dramatic canopy formations that will amaze any audience.
Eddie Andreini
Eddie Andreini's Stearman Superbatics is a fast-paced 15-minute show with a thunderous charging take-off, double roll grabs and a special "I HUGE!" spectacular. This tremendous biplane will astonish crowds as it performs double outside loops, square loops, torque rolls, double snap rolls and the incomparable WOPCEVOK – a heart stopping end over and tumble maneuver – finishing off with an exciting inverted ribbon pickup.
David Martin
David Martin's first aerobatics were performed in a 1941 Fleet biplane belonging to his grandfather, a barnstormer in the 1930s who insisted that David learn aerobatics. David started to seriously pursue competition aerobatics in 1994 upon purchasing an Extra 300S. After earning a place on the United States Aerobatic Team in 1997, he has attended four World Aerobatic Championships winning an individual gold medal and three team bronze medals. In 2001, David won the United States National Championship.
Patriot Team - L-39 Formation Team
The Patriot Jets Team first debuted in 2003 as a two-ship team and continued to add Jets until 2006 when they became a team of fast-paced, formation flying, choreographed six-ship diamond formation aerobatic maneuvers.
Their signature "Tail Slide" where the aircraft actually slides backwards toward the ground is unique to the Patriots and their performances are highlighted by a computerized red, white and blue smoke system.
Jim Peitz
One of the most diverse and unique airshow performance offerings in the industry, Jim's Aerobatic Beechcraft F33C Bonanza is flown to its limit with dazzling, low-level maneuvers and unexpected thrills. Jim believes aviation is one of the greatest freedoms in this country and aerobatics, or as he says, controlling an aircraft that seems totally out of control, is the pinnacle of his aviation career.
Shockwave Jet Truck
The ShockWave Jet Truck runs at over 300 miles per hour (mph) racing airplanes and holds the world record for things like a quarter mile for trucks at 256 mph in just 6.36 seconds and full size trucks at 376 mph. At 36,000 horsepower, the ShockWave has enough power to accelerate at 3 Gs vertical — just as much as a space shuttle.
Weighing in at 7,000 pounds, and 18,000 pounds of thrust, the ShockWave Jet is ready to impress at this year's event.
