EXHIBITS

Dash Aerosports

It’s your turn in the cockpit! This innovative display gives attendees the chance to experience the thrill of aviation firsthand. Through cutting-edge virtual reality technology, viewers of all ages can race through the skies at incredible heights from right here on the ground. Make sure to check out this free exhibit Airshow weekend!

DreamBIG Cockpit Simulator

Get the ultimate pilot experience when you step inside this authentic fighter cockpit. DreamBIG Entertainment will provide a fully-restored A07D Corsair II Attack Fighter Cockpit for this interactive tour and photo opportunity. Each visitor has the option of dressing in full flight gear, with a real flight jacket and helmet. Cost is $10 for a tour and photo.

T-38

The Northrop T-38 Talon is a two-seat, twin-jet supersonic jet trainer. It was the world’s first supersonic trainer — and the Airshow will host four of them!

The T-38 has been in service for over 50 years with the Air Force. In addition to training USAF pilots, the T-38 is used by NASA. Also, pilots of other NATO nations fly the T-38 in joint training programs with USAF pilots.

SASOL STEM TENT

Kids shouldn’t miss the SASOL Stem Tent! It’s a showcase of hands-on exhibits tied to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) areas, with McNeese State University and SOWELA taking part. Hundreds of Calcasieu Parish students will visit the Sasol STEM Tent via school field trips, but it will also be open free of charge to all Airshow attendees.

B-52

The famous B-52, more formally known as the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress, is an American long-range, subsonic, jet-powered bomber. The B-52 has been operated by the U.S. Air Force since 1955. It’s capable of carrying up to 70,000 pounds of weapons, and has a typical combat range of more than 8,800 miles without aerial refueling.

The B-52 took its maiden flight in1952. It was built to carry nuclear weapons during the Cold War, but has dropped only conventional bombs in combat situations.

The B-52 is often nicknamed the Buff — as in “Big Ugly Fat Fella.” It’s been in active service with the Air Force since 1955.

Kids Zone

While performers dazzle crowds from the sky, fans on the ground will have plenty of activities to choose from. Our popular Kids Zone, sponsored by the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury, lets kids take a break from the action and enjoy free play with friends. Inflatables and more provided by Special Event Fun. Kids 12 and under get into the airshow FREE!

Sierra Aeronautics

Witness the airshow sky-side with a ride in a classic Bell 47 Helicopter provided by Sierra Aeronautics. For fans of the TV series M*A*S*H, it will be like riding in the medical helicopter featured in the show! Sierra Aeronautics can take 2 passengers up at time. Cost is $45 per rider online or at the airshow. The helicopter will be available from 10 a.m. until close on Saturday, May 11, and Sunday, May 12. Also, a BONUS NIGHT flight will be available Friday night 5 p.m. to close. Purchase tickets online or at the show.

Here’s a partial list of the aviation and military exhibits that you’ll see at the Chennault International Airshow:

  • Sasol STEM Tent, featuring exhibits from McNeese State University, Sowela Technical Community College and others
  • Dash AeroSport L-39 Demo Team
  • Dream BIG cockpit simulator
  • T-38s (four) from Vance AFB, OklahomaB-52 from Barksdale AFR
  • Louisiana Air National Guard F-15s (two)
  • U.S. Naval Reserve F/A-18
  • SOWELA’s Boeing 727
  • Boeing 737
  • T-6 Texan II from Columbus AFB, Mississippi
  • A-10 Thunderbolts (two) from Tuscon
  • Air National Guard
  • KC-135R from McConnell AFR, KansasC-5 from San Antonio AFR
  • P-40
  • C-17 from Altus AFB, Oklahoma
  • Bell H-13 Sioux Warrior
  • 1955 T-34A
  • Cessna 182
  • Calcasieu Parish Mosquito Control spray plane
  • Lake Area Radio Kontrol (LARK) models
  • U.S. Coast Guard 26-foot rescue boat
  • Motorized parasail
  • Vintage 1955 Jeep
  • Louisiana Air National Guard Humvee