Space Explored
By Derek Wise
October 21, 2021
The airshow from last week was headlined by the US Air Force Thunderbirds.
– Socom Para-Commandos & HC-130J – Coast Guard Search and Rescue – John Black – Super Decathlon – US Navy F-18 “Rhino” Demo team – E/A-18G Growler Demonstation – US Navy Legacy Flight – US Marines V-22 Osprey Demo – P-51 Mustang Demo “Quicksilver” – C-47 Skytrain “Tico Belle” – F-22 Raptor Demo Team – US Air Force Thunderbirds
Socom Para-Commandos & HC-130J
The US Special Operations Command’s parachute demonstration team is known for opening airshows, representing all of today's special operations forces.
Coast Guard Search & Rescue Demo
John Black – Super Decathlon
John Black, a veteran who served in the Air Force and National Guard, is well known at air shows. The Ohio native now lives in Cocoa Beach, Florida, and put on a great show with his Super Decathlon.
US Navy F-18 Super Hornet “Rhino” Demo team
The US Navy Rhino Demo Team flew their F/A-18 Super Hornet aircraft as a part of the show.
The Fleet Replacement Squadron that operates the team has the mission to train newly designated pilots and uses the shows as a way to recruit into Naval Aviation.
E/A-18G Growler Demonstation
The E/A-18 Growler is a specialized version of the F/A-18F Super Hornet designed for electronic warfare.
US Navy Legacy Flight
The Navy Legacy Flight flies classic warbirds alongside the fighters of today. This show, the F4U-4 Corsair flew alongside F/A-18 Super Hornet on Saturday, and two E/A-18G Growlers on Sunday.
US Marines V-22 Osprey
The US Marines demonstrated the Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey at the show. This unique aircraft features vertical take-off and landing as well as short take-off and landing. It can fly in a helicopter or plane-like configuration, based on what the circumstances require.
P-51 Mustang Demo “Quicksilver”
The P51 Mustang is a long range fighter used throughout World War II and the Korean War. The well known dog-fighting capabilities is part of what made it a war-winning weapon.
C-47 Skytrain “Tico Belle”
The 1942 Douglas C-47 SkyTrain made several modifications to the civilian DC-3. The extensive service the plane saw throughout WWII made it one of the most iconic military transports in history. It is best known for its service during the invasion of Normandy by the Allies, carrying members of 82nd and 101st airborne.
F-22 Raptor Demo Team
The F-22A Raptor is an advanced tactical fighting aircraft and always a highlight of airshows (it’s certainly my favorite). The stealth aircraft entered service in 2005 to replace the F-15.
The iconic shape and agility always stand out in the sky… at air shows that is… if they don’t want you to see it, you won’t.
US Air Force Thunderbirds
The iconic US Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, aka the Thunderbirds, headlined the show.
They flew their F-16s in close formations and with a number of close high speed passes to create an always-impressive show.
The show will return to the Orlando-Sanford International Airport again next year.