LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
Visitors to Lackland AirFest 2010 will see the world's only operational fifth-generation fighter aircraft when the F-22 takes to the sky Nov. 6-7 during AirFest 2010 at the historic Kelly Field Annex flightline.
Maj. Dave Skalicky, the Air Force F-22 Raptor Aerial Demonstration Team commander and pilot, said visitors to AirFest 2010 can expect to see an amazing demonstration.
"They are going to see a sequence of maneuvers that no other fighter aircraft can perform. Right from takeoff, I am going to demonstrate the unique capabilities of the Raptor. (They will see) me push the extreme flight envelope of the F-22 which directly translates into combat capabilities for the Air Force," he said.
The F-22's combination of stealth, supercruise, maneuverability, and integrated avionics, coupled with improved supportability, represents an exponential leap in warfighting capabilities.
For those who saw the demo in 2008, the major said this year's show promises to be even more impressive. After two years of taking the jet around the world, the team has perfected the demonstration.
"Believe me, nobody will feel cheated," he said.
The Raptor will perform a solo demonstration and later fly alongside an F-16 Fighting Falcon and the F-15 Strike Eagle as part of an Air Education and Training Command composite flight.
AirFest 2010 coincides with San Antonio's year-long celebration of the 100th anniversary of military flight in Texas.
The show will commemorate and showcase the accomplishments of military aviation with a wide variety of aerial performances and static displays composed of past and present military aircraft.
The one-of-a-kind U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, the gravity-breaking Army parachute-jumping Golden Knights team, and Tora! Tora! Tora!, a re-enactment of Pearl Harbor, will also perform during the air show.
Primary parking for AirFest 2010 is at Nelson Wolff Baseball Stadium, located off Highway 90, exit Callaghan Road.
The Air Force will provide daylong free shuttle service from the stadium and designated areas at Lackland transporting visitors to the main entrance to Kelly Field, located at the intersection of Billy Mitchell Boulevard and Frank Luke Drive at Port San Antonio.
All attendees parking at Lackland must have a Department of Defense ID card and are asked to exit Military Drive and follow the signs.
If parking at Port San Antonio, attendees are encouraged to use General McMullen or General Hudnell and avoid using 36th Street due to major construction and heavy pedestrian traffic.
Gates are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. With security being Lackland's No. 1 priority, visitors will be prohibited from bringing concealed weapons, ice chests, backpacks, large bags, alcohol, skates and skateboards. These items must be left in the vehicle.
Pets, with the exception of assistance or guide dogs, will not be allowed at the event.
For more information, visit
http://www.lackland.af.mil/airshow.