Legendary Combat Aircraft And Military Demonstration Teams
Prepare To Awe Crowds At 48th Annual Event
In less than a week, the skies of northern Nevada will be
filled with the familiar sounds of thundering engines and cheering
crowds as the National Championship Air Races gets underway at the
Reno Stead Airfield. In addition to the elite race pilots that
travel from around the world to compete in the world’s
fastest motorsport, military demonstration teams and daring
performers take to the skies to awe thousands of aviation
aficionados and curious spectators. This year, in addition to heart
stopping aerobatics by Jim Peitz, David Martin and Eddie Andreini,
the United States Air Force Thunderbirds will grace the 48th
annual event alongside the L-39 Patriot Jet Team, Navy Leap Frog
Team and the incredible strike fighter, the F/A-18E Super
Hornet.
“With just a week left until our 2011 event takes flight,
we are preparing for an amazing lineup of entertainment that our
more than 200,000 fans will truly enjoy,” said Mike Houghton,
president and CEO of the Reno Air Racing Association. “Each
year we work to bring in some of the most talented aerobatic
performers and this year is no different.”
With 22,000 pounds (98 Knots) of thrust per engine, The F/A-18E
Super Hornet rip-roars through the air, creating a rumble through
the ground and a fan experience like no other. This powerful
aircraft, which was put into use by the United States Navy in 2002,
has unlimited angles of attack and seemingly carefree flying
qualities allowing for highly effective combat capabilities that
are still used today.
Air Force Thuderbirds
A crowd favorite and legendary military team, the U.S. Air Force
Thunderbirds, will perform on Thursday, Sept. 15 and make a very
special performance on Friday, Sept. 16. Millions have witnessed
their astounding aerial maneuvers and can attest to the precision
and skill seen as they move swiftly through the skies. This
year’s team of 12 officers, flying F-16C fighter jets,
represents some of the most elite military pilots in the world. As
ambassadors of the U.S. Air Force, the Thunderbirds take pride in
their performances by showcasing their integrity and dedication to
excellence.
An eight-year run of fast-paced formation flying has made the
L-39 Patriot Team one of the most sought-after performance teams in
the country. Known for their unique maneuvers and their signature,
“Tail Side,” that involves the aircraft sliding
backwards toward the ground, this jet demonstration team has no
boundaries and is sure to amaze the thousands in attendance at this
year’s Races.
The event will also feature the Navy Leap Frog Team which, with
14 jumpers leaping out of an aircraft at altitudes of 12,000 feet
at speeds of up to 180 mph, performs an amazing array of in-air
formations and stunts. Additionally, the Shockwave Jet Truck will
dazzles the audience as it races past its in-air opponent at over
300 miles per hour.
Adding to the tremendous lineup of aerobatic performances and
entertainment will be Stearman Superbatics extraordinaire, Eddie
Andreini; World Aerobatic champion, David Martin; and aviation
enthusiast and pilot of the Beechcraft F33C Bonanza, Jim
Peitz.
“We are excited for race fans and aviation enthusiasts to
come out and enjoy our event this year,” said Houghton.
“This event is truly unlike any other and we are proud to put
on such an incredible event year-after-year.”
The 48th Annual National Championship Air Races and Air Show in
Reno is the premier air racing event in the world. The air
races will be held September 14-18, 2011 at the Reno Stead Airfield
and will feature the United States Air Force Thunderbirds.