The stars of the Vectren Dayton Air Show weren’t just in the air. They also appeared on display all over the grounds, in planes used during World War II all the way through to present time, manned by their respective pilots and owners.
“Its great public relations,” said Master Sergeant Chuck Fritz, stationed at Wright Patt, “It lets the public see what your tax dollars are going towards – not just the equipment, but the personnel, too.”
One of the older planes available for touring inside were two Boeing B-17 ‘Flying Fortress’ bombers, called “Memphis Belle” and “Sentimental Journey.” In World War II, American Air Force (then called Army Air Corps) soldiers were told once they made it to 25 missions, they could go home. However, most planes were shot down or destroyed before they made it that high. The B-17 was the first plane to complete 25 total missions. The U.S. ordered 12,725 B-17 type aircraft, and flew many of the planes back to the states, showing it off in order to drum up support for the armed services.
Another star plane was a F/A-18 Super Hornet belonging to the “World Famous Red Rippers,” the mascot of the VFA-11 squadron. The Rippers are the Navy’s oldest continuously active fighter squadron. They can call themselves ‘world famous’ because they have made a flying cruise around the world – starting at Norfolk, and ending at the NAS Oceana.
Another far traveler is no stranger to this area – Dayton native Lieutenant Colonel John Black flew in his F15-C Eagle to show off for the weekend as well. “It’s very powerful, and handles very well,” Black said.
He has been flying the Eagle since 1991, and in 2002 started flying the American Champion Super Decathalon as a solo aerobatic pilot. The Eagle though, is used for fighting, not performing.
The Air Show also displayed Blackhawk helicopters, Huey helicopters, planes that need to be spooled to start, planes from NASA and FedEx, and even a U.A.V. – unmanned aerial vehicle. The UAV’s are commonly referred to as ‘predator’ or ‘reaper’, and allow a person in the states to “see” and bomb a combat zone halfway across the globe.
But the most bizarre part of the show might have been the School Time Jet Bus, a 35 foot long “bus” that has a 42,000 horsepower J-79 Jet Engine coming from a F-4 Phantom Fighter Jet. Paul Stender, of Indy Boys Inc., brought his custom-made bus that can go up to 350 mph – complete with flames roaring out of the back. Stender loves to put jet engines on many things, including a pick-up truck and an outhouse (yes, a bathroom outhouse). He starts with the engine, and builds everything else around it. Stender travels around the country showing off his creations, but was impressed by the collection of planes and people at Dayton.
“Everyone here’s been really good,” he enthused, “This is a great show with great people.”
For more information about the machines and people mentioned, visit www.vfa11.navy.mil, www.jjaero.com, and www.indyboysinc.com.
