The U.S. Air Force announced today the F-35A Lightning II Demo Team will be part of the 2024 Owensboro Air Show, which will be headlined by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. The 2024 Air Show is scheduled for September 13-15.
The Air Force nnouncement was made Tuesday morning at the International Council of Airshows conference in Las Vegas.
“I am thrilled to have the F- 35A Lightning II Demo team joining our 2024 show,” said Tim Ross, City of Owensboro Director of Public Events. “The air show has grown over the years to draw the best performers in the world. Having the F-35A Lightning Demo Team join the Navy Blue Angels will provide another incredible show for our spectators from all over the country.”
This will be the first time the F-35A Lightning Demo Team has ever performed at the Owensboro Air Show.
According to a fact sheet on the Demo Team website:
“The F-35A Lightning II is the U.S. Air Force’s newest fifth-generation fighter. The Lightning II is a stealthy, multirole, all-weather air-to-air and surface attack fighter. It is designed to enable direct attack against the most heavily defended ground targets. It will replace the U.S. Air Force’s aging fleet of F-16 Fighting Falcons and A-10 Thunderbolt II’s, which have been the primary fighter aircraft for more than 20 years, and bring with it an enhanced capability to survive in the advanced threat environment in which it was designed to operate. With its aerodynamic performance and advanced integrated avionics, the F-35A will provide next-generation stealth, enhanced situational awareness, and reduced vulnerability for the United States and allied nations.”
The F-35 Demo Team consists of approximately 15 total Airmen to include the pilot and commander, pilot safety officers, superintendent, team chief, maintenance Airmen, aircrew flight equipment specialists, and public affairs personnel.
The Owensboro Air Show returned in 2023 after going on hiatus in 2022. The Blue Angels headlined the 2018, 2019, and 2021 shows.
Additional performers at the Owensboro Air Show will be announced in the coming weeks.
