Air Force Aerial Demonstrations

Dynamic aerial formations by U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and Navy Blue Angels showcase precision flying and military aircraft during airshows.

USA, Arizona, Glendale, Luke Air Force Base. All six F-16 Thunderbirds fly in delta formation.
USA, Arizona, Glendale, Luke Air Force Base. All six F-16 Thunderbirds fly in delta formation.
160 assets in this story
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United States Navy Blue Angels perform their aerobatics demonstration during an air show, at Dayton, Ohio, July 31, 2022. The Dayton Airshow is an annual event held at the Dayton International Airport for aerobatics demonstrations and static displays of aircraft.
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Two U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, Blue Angels, aircraft perform aerial manuevers during the Titans of Flight Air Expo, Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, April 8, 2022. The airshow showcases more than 50 aerial demonstration performances and static aircraft displays.
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060701-N-7730P-366. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)
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The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds" fly over Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, March 31, 2022. The Thunderbirds landed at the 20th Fighter Wing in preparation for the Shaw Air & Space Expo April 2-3.
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The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds dazzle the crowd at the Frontiers in Flight Airshow at McConnell Air Force Base, Sept. 23, 2022. The airshow featured 12 performers including Tora Tora, an A-10 demonstration, and the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds to name a few. An airshow, also known as an open-house, is a way for military members and installations to show appreciation to local communities as well as showcase Department of Defense and Air Force capabilities. Wichita is known as the Air Capital of the world, the birthplace of some very famous airframes.
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The Royal Air Force Falcons Parachute Display Team in action
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Five Swiss Air Force F-5E Tiger II aircraft from the Patrouille Suisse aerobatic team fly in formation over the Airpower 22 air show in Zeltweg, Austria, Sept. 2, 2022. This multi-national event showcased the capabilities of over 20 nations to over 275,000 spectators from around the world, and provided an opportunity for the U.S. Air Force to continue to strengthen international partnerships.
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Waikiki, Hawaii, September 13, 2007 - The Air Force Thunderbirds demonstration team begin their aerial demonstration practice.
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A left front view of a Navy Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Team F/A-18 Hornet aircraft, its wing surfaces swathed in condensation vapor and trailing smoke, as it passes overhead during an air show at the air station. Base: Naval Air Station, Miramar State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds perform June 25, 2022, at Hill Air ForceBase for the Warriors Over the Wasatch Air and Space Show.
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Mike Goulian, piloting his SR-22, performs aerobatics during the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, Sept. 24, 2022. Goulian has been competing in aerobatic contests for over 30 years and is a recognized expert in aviation. The theme for the 2022 MCAS Miramar Air Show, Marines Fight, Evolve and Win,” reflects the Marine Corps’ ongoing modernization efforts to prepare for future conflicts.
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Full Throttle, a formation team, practices their act in preparation for the Shaw Air & Space Expo at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, April 1, 2022. The Full Throttle Formation Team is from Atlanta Georgia and is the largest precision formation airshow team in America.
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From top, U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning IIs assigned to the 495th Fighter Squadron, Hellenic Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 115 Combat Wing and USAF F-15E Strike Eagles assigned to the 494 FS fly over Souda Air Base, Greece, during exercise Poseidons Rage 22, July 22, 2022. PR22 is designed to bolster readiness and interoperability between the USAF and HAF by demonstrating localized air superiority.
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Out of the blue Airforce display team in vertical dive Copyright: xZoonar.com/AntonyxRobinsonx 21287215
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The US Navy (USN) Blue Angels F/A-18C Hornet aerial demonstration team aircraft perform during the annual Air Show held at Naval Air Station (NAS), Lemoore, California (CA). This years air show was named, A Salute to the American Hero. Base: Naval Air Station, Lemoore State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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Air show acrobatic of Suryakiran team of IAF at Shanghumugom beach, Trivandrum, Kerala, India Copyright: xPxKarunakaran/DinodiaxPhotox
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Pacific Ocean, March 30, 2008 - An EA-6B Prowler deploys emergency flares during an air power demonstration for the crew of the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72).
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U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornets with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 115, Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort , fly over the USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. (DDG 121) during the ships commissioning ceremony at the Port of Charleston, South Carolina, May 14, 2022. The ship is the 71st of its class and will be based out of Hawaii, serving in the Pacific Fleet.
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McDonnell Douglas F/A-18A and B models Hornet US Navy Blue Angels flight demonstration team side view
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Trick Jets Flying in Formation
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Blue Angels Soar in Precision: Pre-Season Formation Practice at Naval Air Field El Centro The elite US Navy Blue Angels hone precision in the California desert, practicing intricate formation flying at Naval Air Field El Centro for the upcoming air show season Copyright: xZoonar.com/WalterxGxArcexSrxGrindstonexMediaxGroup/WalterxArcexPhotographyx 21361766
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U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons with the Thunderbirds perform during the 2022 Atlantic City Airshow at Atlantic City, New Jersey, Aug. 24, 2022. Since 1953, the Thunderbirds have served as Americas premier air demonstration squadron, entrusted with the vital mission to recruit, retain, and inspire past, present and future Airmen. (New Jersey National Guard photo by Mark C. Olsen)
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Low Angle View of the English Red Arrow Demonstration Team in Flight Formation. Low Angle View of the English Red Arrow Demonstration Team in Flight Formation. "Kleine Brogel Airfield, BelgiumLow angle view of the English Red Arrow demonstration team in flight formation during the NATO Tiger Meet '70, a weapons competition involving fighter squadrons from NATO countries who bear the Tiger symbol." Photographer: Master Sgt. H.D. Robinson
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060310-N-0194K-007. Base: Naval Air Station, Oceana State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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Silhouettes of russian fighter aircrafts in the sky. Russia, Moscow Airshow in July 2017
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060401-N-1159B-023. Base: El Segundo State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds perform aerial maneuvers during the AirPower over Hampton Roads Open House at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., April 24, 2016. Originally scheduled to perform three times at the open house, the team only performed once due to weather conditions.
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040206-F-6911G-005. Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC
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August 1, 2013 - F/A-18 Hornets from the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, fly in formation over the Gulf of Mexico during a training flight.
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U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning IIs assigned to the 61st Fighter Squadron and T-38A Talons assigned to the 2d Fighter Training Squadron fly in formation over southern Idaho, Sept. 14, 2022. The units, assigned to Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, and Eglin AFB, Florida, traveled to Idaho for a training exercise as the F-35 student pilots basic course capstone.
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US Navy (USN) Lead solo pilot, Lieutenant Commander (LCDR) Craig R. Olson (foreground), assigned to The US Navy (USN) flight demonstration team the "Blue Angels," pulls his F/A-18A Hornet aircraft up sharply as the opposing solo pilot, Lieutenant Commander (LCDR) Theodore J. Steelman, continues flying low down the runway during takeoff at the 2005 Air Show, held at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point, North Carolina (NC). Base: Mcas, Cherry Point State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: MAGTF
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An F/A-18 Super Hornet assigned to The Blue Angels, U.S. Naval Flight Demonstration Squadron, takes off as part of the Media Rider Program, Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Aug. 10, 2022. The Media Rider Program reports on their experience in the aircraft as well as tell the story of the Key Influencer rider. Marine Corps Base Hawaii hosted the 2022 Kaneohe Bay Air Show, Blues on the Bay, on Aug. 13-14.
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Bulgarian Air Force MiG-21, MiG-29 and Su-25 aircraft flying on a clear day.
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U.S. Air Force Major Kristin Wolfe, commander, F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team, 388th Fighter Wing, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, flies her F-35A side-by-side with a P-51D Mustang, as part of the Heritage Flight demonstration at the Joint Base Andrews 2022 Air & Space Expo Airshow, JB Andrews, Md., 17 September, 2022. Airshows provide an opportunity for people to see U.S. military air capabilities in action and meet the service members who fly and maintain the equipment.
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The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Team Thunderbirds flyover the Daytona 500 in Daytona Beach, Florida, February 19, 2024. This year marked the 66th annual Great American Race and the 14th consecutive year the Thunderbirds have flown over the Daytona 500. Air Force
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USAF Heritage Flight, F-16 Fighting Falcon, P38 Lightning, A1D Skyraider, Blue Sky
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Blue Angels Soar in Precision: Pre-Season Formation Practice at Naval Air Field El Centro The elite US Navy Blue Angels hone precision in the California desert, practicing intricate formation flying at Naval Air Field El Centro for the upcoming air show season Copyright: xZoonar.com/WalterxGxArcexSrxGrindstonexMediaxGroup/WalterxArcexPhotographyx 21361726
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DN-ST-89-07392. Base: Naval Air Station, Pensacola State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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A U.S. Air Force Wings of Blue demonstration team member descends during Wings Over Solano at Travis Air Force Base, California, May 14, 2022. The Wings Over Solano open house and air show provided an opportunity for the local community to interact directly with the base and its Airmen and see capabilities on full display at Travis AFB.
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The Blue Angels F/A-18 Super Hornets fly overhead as part of the 2022 Kaneohe Bay Air Show, Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Aug. 12, 2022. As the U.S. Navys Flight Demonstration Squadron, The Blue Angels is comprised of six F/A-18 Super Hornets and one C-130J Hercules who perform aerobatics around the United States. The Kaneohe Bay Air Show, which contained aerial performances, static displays, demonstrations and vendors, was designed to express MCBHs appreciation to the residents of Hawaii and their continued support of the installation.
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More than 700 Airmen assigned to the 331st Training Squadron graduated from Basic Military Training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, October 12-13, 2022. Col Joseph Kramer, Commander, 7th Bomb Wing, Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, reviewed the ceremony.
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Aalten (Barlo), 17 juni 2014. F16s of the Royal Netherlands Air Force carry out a missing man flight formation to honor the crew of a Lancaster bomber that crashed 70 years ago
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Frecce Tricolore, the Italian Air Force Aerobatic Team, does another low pass at the LaComina Airshow, Pordenone, Italy, on June 11th, 2000. Base: Lacomina Airport Country: Italy (ITA)
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The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds" pilots take-off the flightline during Montana's Military Open House "Flight over the Falls" at Montana Air National Guard Base, Great Falls, Montana, July 24, 2022. The Thunderbirds are the U.S. Air Force's premier air demonstration squadron.
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The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds" practice in El Centro, California, Feb. 22 - Mar. 1, 2024. The Thunderbirds travel to El Centro every year to practice alongside their counterparts, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. Air Force
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061025-N-5060B-106. Base: Naval Station, Jacksonville State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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4 Chinese Nanchang CJ-6 military trainers in formation flight over Porterville, CA.
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U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Julius Bratton, a Blue Angels pilot, climbs into the cockpit of a F/A-18 Super Hornet at the 2022 Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana Airshow on base in Virginia Beach, Virginia, Sept. 16, 2022. The NAS Oceana Airshow is an open house event featuring civilian and military aerial performances by groups such as the Blue Angels, Leap Frogs, the U.S. Air Force F-16 Viper Demonstration Team and other high-performance aircrafts.
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The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, also known as the Thunderbirds, practice on June 24, 2022, before their performance at the Warriors Over the Wasatch Air and Space Show at Hill Air Force Base, Utah.
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Indian Air force Surya Kiran performing in air during an air show organized by the Air Force at Marine Drive in Bombay now Mumbai, Maharashtra, India Copyright: xManoejxPaateel/DinodiaxPhotox
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Nine Italian Air Force MB-339 trainer aircraft from the Freece Tricolori aerobatic team fly in formation during an aerial demonstration at the Airpower 22 air show in Zeltweg, Austria, Sept. 3, 2022. This multi-national event showcased the capabilities of over 20 nations to over 275,000 spectators from around the world, and provided an opportunity for the U.S. Air Force to continue to strengthen international partnerships.
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Indian Air force Surya Kiran performing in air during an air show organized by the Air Force at Marine Drive in Bombay now Mumbai, Maharashtra, India Copyright: xManoejxPaateel/DinodiaxPhotox
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U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Faustino Cabrera, the Recruiting Substation Jacksonville Beach station commander, observes the the Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, with his family at the Naval Air Station in Jacksonville, Florida, Oct. 22, 2022. Cabrera assisted the 6th Marine Corps District Enhanced Marketing Vehicle Team during the annual air show in support of recruitment efforts.
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061028-N-6936D-444. Base: Ns Jacksonville State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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NAVAL AIR STATION NORTH ISLAND, Calif. (Oct. 13, 2020) Members of the U.S. Navy Parachute Team, the Leap Frogs, conduct a demonstration jump into Naval Air Station North Island in support of the 245th Navy Birthday on October 13, 2020. The Navy Parachute Team began in 1969 when Navy SEALs and Underwater Demolition Team (UDT) members volunteered at weekend air shows. The team was officially commissioned the Leap Frogs in 1974 by the Chief of Naval Operations with the mission to demonstrate Navy excellence throughout the United States.
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Trailing smoke, six F/A-18A Hornet aircraft of the United States Navy's Blue Angels flight demonstration squadron fly in a delta formation over a lake near Redding, California. State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the Thunderbirds, headline the OC Air Show in Ocean City, Maryland, June 10, 2022. The Thunderbirds are slated to perform nearly seventy air shows in almost three dozen different locations this year.