The F-22, one of the U.S. Air Force’s premier fighter jet planes, will once again be among the top attractions when the Chennault International Airshow returns June 5-6.
“We’re beyond proud — we’re thrilled,” said Airshow Director Mary Jo Bayles in making the announcement.
The Lockheed Martin F-22 “Raptor” is a twin-engine, single-seat stealth tactical fighter aircraft for the U.S. Air Force.
While it was designed primarily as an air superiority fighter, the aircraft also has ground attack, electronic warfare, and signal intelligence capabilities.
The Raptor was a local favorite last year.
“We are so very excited to have the F-22 demonstration team return to Chennault for the second consecutive airshow,” said Kevin Melton, Airshow president. “Their willingness to return is the result of a hard-working airshow team — a dedicated board of directors, the devotion of Airshow Director Mary Jo Bayles, and her team of committee leaders and volunteers, who are critical to the success of every airshow,” Melton said.
The Air Combat Command F-22 Demonstration Team, based at Langley Air Force Base, will perform precision aerial maneuvers to demonstrate the unique capabilities of the fifth-generation fighter aircraft.
“The F-22 will again wow the crowd with its amazing capabilities, which are second to none,” Melton said.
The Raptor is a combination of stealth, super-cruise, maneuverability, and integrated avionics, coupled with improved supportability. Its debut represented an exponential leap in war-fighting capabilities.
The jet performs both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions allowing full realization of operational concepts vital to the 21st century Air Force.
The Raptor joins an Airshow lineup headlined by the world-famous U.S. Navy Blue Angels jet team.