RENO, Nev. (February 5, 2020) —For the first time ever the country’s newest fighter jet will take to the Reno, Nev. skies at the 57th STIHL National Championship Air Races. Fans will see America’s Airmen display the skill, capabilities and technology of the F-35A Lightning II. The one-of-a-kind event returns Sept. 16–20, 2020 with head-to-head air racing, civilian and military flight demonstrations, static aircraft displays, food, drink and plenty of vendors to peruse.
“Fans are in for a real treat this year. We are thrilled to feature the full demonstration of the F-35,” said Tony Logoteta, RARA Chief Operating Officer. “It’s truly a performance to remember that will give fans a glimpse of the incredible capabilities of the world’s most advanced fighter jet.”
The F-35A is the world’s most advanced multirole stealth fighter, boasting 43,000 pounds of thrust reaching up to Mach 1.6 (about 1,200 mph). The demonstration profile will last approximately 18 minutes and feature the jet’s extreme agility, speed and maneuverability.
The demonstration team is part of the 388th Fighter Wing out of Hill Air Force Base in Utah. The 388th Fighter Wing is currently the Air Force’s first combat-ready operational F-35 wing in the service. The team is made up of approximately 15 Airmen, to include the pilot, wingmen, maintenance and public affairs Airmen.
The 2020 STIHL National Championship Air Races are just 20 minutes north of downtown Reno. Attendees can witness the fastest motorsport in the world as seven racing classes go head-to-head, plus aerobatic demonstrations and one-of-a-kind static displays. For more information, visit AirRace.org.
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About the STIHL National Championship Air Races
The STIHL National Championship Air Races are held every September just north of Reno by the Reno Air Racing Association, a 501(c)(3). The event has become an institution for Northern Nevada and aviation enthusiasts from around the world with seven racing classes, a large display of static aircraft and several military and civilian flight demonstrations. Independent economic impact studies show that the event generates as much as $91.7 million annually for the local economy. For more information on the STIHL National Championship Air Races, to obtain media credentials, volunteer, be a vendor or purchase tickets visit AirRace.org.
About the F-35 Demo Team
For more information on the F-35 Demo Team, you can follow them on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter @F35DemoTeam, or visit their website here: https://www.388fw.acc.af.mil/F-35A-Demo-Team.