A sign of its steadfast commitment to bringing the very best aviators, performers and demonstration teams to the historic National Championship Air Races, the Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) announced the awesome and ultra-high-tech F-22 Raptor as one of the event headliners in 2014. Just a year after having its performance cancelled for the historic 50th event due to the federal government sequestration, the wildly popular F-22 Raptor will be making just its third Reno Air Race appearance when it performs Sept. 10 – 14 at the Reno-Stead Airfield.

“Truly, the F-22 Raptor is one of the most impressive fighter planes in the world and its speed, turning capability and creativity make for a heart-pounding and exciting performance,” said Mike Major, chairman of the RARA board of directors. “Words will never do the F-22 justice; the only way to fully grasp what this plane can do is to see it in action.”

The F-22 Raptor employs a state-of-the-art thrust system that allows the aircraft to pivot 360 degrees in all directions at nearly any speed, seemingly defying the fundamental principles and forces that govern flight. The Raptor, which can do everything from making bank turns to hovering sideways in mid-air, is an unheralded combination of stealth and shear power and it represents RARA’s determination to substantially increase the military presence at the annual event.

“While the last remaining air racing event of its kind in the world, the STIHL National Championship Air Races is also an annual homage to the United States military and the all of the brave men and women who have taken to the skies in service of their country,” said Major. “Last year, while it was a worthy celebration of our first 50 years, the presence of the military was sorely missed. We are working diligently to ensure that, this year, the equipment and personnel of the Armed Forces are represented the way our fans have become accustomed to.”