2009 ACTS

U.S. air force thunderbirds jet demonstration Team

Official U.S. Air Force photograph. To Download: Right click here and select save target as

Cleveland will host the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds as headliners of the 2009 Cleveland National Air Show presented by Discount Drug Mart on Labor Day Weekend at Burke Lakefront Airport.

Each show day, the six select Thunderbird demonstration pilots will put their distinct red, white and blue F-16 Falcon jet fighters through a choreographed hour-long performance at speeds up to 500 mph and as close as three feet from each other. Trademark Thunderbird maneuvers include the six-plane delta formation, high bomb burst and solo knife-edge pass.

The Thunderbirds are the U.S. Air Force "Ambassadors in Blue" and represent the United States at approximately thirty-five sites located both home and abroad each year. U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds home page click here: http://thunderbirds.airforce.com/home.html

Official U.S. Air Force photograph. To Download: Right click here and select save target as

Additional high-resolution photos of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds can be found at: http://thunderbirds.airforce.com/home.html

U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier Demonstration

Expands Act Line-up

The U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B "Harrier" will perform each event day and the demonstration consists of an 8-10 minute display of the aircraft's abilities, including a 90-degree climbing turn, a high-speed pass over the runway, and a vertical landing in front of the crowd. A second "Harrier" will be on static display. The Cleveland National Air Show is one of only 14 show sites to recieve the coveted 2009 "Harrier" demo.

For more information about the "Harrier" and other Marine Corps aviation assets, check out the Marine Corps websit at: www.marines.mil

U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle Tactical Demonstration

Afterburners On!

Each event day, the F-15E Strike Eagle will perform a dynamic and impressive demonstration that will leave air show fans rumbling in their seats. The F-15E Strike Eagle is a dual-role fighter designed to perform air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. An array of avionics and electronics systems gives the F-15E the capability to fight at low altitude, day or night, and in all weather. The aircraft uses two crew members, a pilot and a weapon systems officer.

Fans agree that the Strike Eagle has three great strengths: its sheer size, serious color and awesome engine noise. For more information visit: www.acc.af.mil/aerialevents/strikeeagle/index.asp

U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II Tactical Demonstration

The Warthog is Back!

The A-10 Thunderbolt II Demo is back in Cleveland with its commanding display of maneuverability. The demonstration profile includes combat maneuvers of constant changes in airspeed, altitude, heading, and bank angle. The A-10 Thunderbolt II is the first Air Force Aircraft specially designed for close air support of ground forces. They are simple, effective and survivable twin-engine jet aircraft that can be used against all ground targets, including tanks and other armored vehicles.

The A-10 is more commonly known by its nickname "Warthog" or simply "Hog" . For more information visit: www.acc.af.mil/aerialevents/a10east/index.asp

U.S. Air Force Heritage Flight

Commemorative Fly-By Added

Each event day, the past will meet the present when the A-10 Thunderbolt performs a commemorative Heritage Flight with a P-51 Mustang "Excalibur".

The USAF Heritage Flight program was established in 1997 to commemorate the Air Force's 50th anniversary. It involves today's state-of-the-art fighters flying in close formation with World War II, Korean and Vietnam era fighters. The flight's mission is to safely and proudly display the evolution of U.S. Air Force airpower and to support the Air Force's recruiting and retention efforts. For more information visit: www.acc.af.mil/aerialevents/heritageflight/index.asp

Ohio Air National Guard C-130 Hercules Demonstration

The Ohio Air National Guard C-130 is hard to miss: stretching more than 130 feet across the runway and 100-plus feet long, its strength is found in its versatile operations and impressive cargo space. The C-130 can transport everything from utility helicopters to six-wheel armored vehicles, as well as standard pallet cargo and military personnel.

U.S. Army Golden Knights Precision Parachute Team

50th Anniversary Year

Celebrating 50 years of excellence, the Golden Knights are an elite parachute team that serve as goodwill ambassadors for the U.S. Army. They have performed at hundreds of air shows around the United States and abroad. The Golden Knights’ Gold Team reveals its aerial grace, precision and skill to the roaring crowds below as they gently descend. For more information on the U.S. Army Golden Knights and to view an exciting video (don't forget look for the Cleveland skyline) click here: www.armygoldenknights.com

The U.S. Army Golden Knights jumping over Burke Lakefront Airport.
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Additional high resolution photos available at: www.armygoldenknights.com

skip stewart

Gyroscopic Aerobatics in a Custom Built Muscle- Biplane!

Making his first appearance in Cleveland...Skip Stewart will impress air show fans with his high-energy, fast paced routine. Skip's flying has been featured in several publications including; Smithsonian Air & Space, Sports Illustrated, World Air Show News, AOPA, Autopilot, as well as other US and European Magazines. Considered by many to be the premier muscle-biplane pilot in the country, Skip is sure to be a popular addition to the Cleveland National Air Show. To learn more about Skip Stewart and view videos of his incredible flying click here: www.skipstewartairshows.com

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Additional high resolution photos available at: www.skipstewartairshows.com

franklin's flying circus

Pirated Skies - Solo & Wingwalking

Kyle Franklin will perform an astonishing solo routine in Jimmy Franklin's original Waco Mystery Ship. This fast, loud, low, and aggressive performance has a unique Pirate Theme that you will not find anywhere else in the world. With "Pirated Skies," Kyle as Captain Kyro puts his airplane through the ringer with the inverted flat spin, lomcevak, and many outside aerobatics, all performed to a fantastic soundtrack with a great storyline.

And wing walking with a twist...watch as Captain Kyro (Kyle Franklin) ascends in the infamous Waco Mystery Ship with his faithful crewman (Todd Green) riding the lower wing through loops rolls, and hammer heads. When the timing is right, Captain Kyro's first mate will climb the mast into the crow's nest on the upper wing. As the young crewman scouts the skies for enemy vessels, the fearless captain will practice a series of evasive maneuvers such as torque rolls, tailslides, snaps, and tumbles. Should the enemy be sighted, these skills may decide the outcome of the impending battle. Reaching speeds in excess of 180mph and sustaining up to 5 positive and 3 negative G's, this aerial combat cruise is sure to delight young and old.

To visit Franklin's Flying Circus home page and obtain high resolution photos click here: www.franklinairshow.com/

To download a Pirated Skies Waco video click here: www.franklinairshow.com/Press%20Kit.htm

John Klatt Airshows

As a child growing up, Major John Klatt dreamed of learning to fly. And thanks to the Air National Guard, he's now living the dream as one of the top aerobatic pilots in the country, for the ANG's "Guarding America, Defending Freedom". Each day John will perform face paced, hardcore, high energy aerobatics in the Staudacher S300-D that include such maneuvers as seven snap rolls on a forty-five down line with multiple linked rolls in the opposite direction. It happens fast and furious. To check out a video of John's performance and additional information visit: www.johnklattairshows.com/

B-17 Flying Fortress "Memphis Belle"

Star of the movie Memphis Belle

Air Show fans will experience history and a little bit of Hollywood when the B-17 "Memphis Belle" takes to the skies. The name "Memphis Belle" has become almost synonymous with the B-17. The "Memphis Belle" is known the world over for being the very first Eighth Air Force bomber to complete 25 combat missions over enemy territory and then return to the United States. The B-17 appearing in Cleveland is painted in the colors of the real "Memphis Belle" and was the star of the 1989 Warner Brothers film appropriately titled Memphis Belle. There are only forty-seven B-17s left in the world. A dozen or so are flying. When you hear her mighty Wright engines come to life, you will know the sensation of being on an American airfield where brave boys became men.

The original "Memphis Belle" is undergoing extensive restoration at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton , Ohio . For more information regarding the real "Memphis Belle" visit www.nationalmuseum.af.mil or www.memphisbelle.com

Photo by: Seth Goltzer

TS-11 Iskra Flyby

The TS-11 Iskra (Polish for Spark) is a Polish jet trainer aircraft, used by the air forces of Poland and India. It is notable as the main trainer plane of the Polish Army, the oldest jet plane still in service in Poland - and one of the most reliable.

Shockwave Jet Truck

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Additional high resolution photos available at: www.nexploreshockwave.com

Shockwave Jet Truck is powered by three jet engines bringing the combined horsepower to 370 mph! Going full throttle at the speed of sound this monster can reach 36,000 horsepower. Watch as the flame- tipped semi scorches the runway as it tries to outrace a speeding airplane. The roar of the turbines always brings the raucous crowd to its feet. Shockwave Jet Truck's home page click here: www.nexploreshockwave.com

Danny Clisham and rob reider

Voices of the Air Show

As you enjoy the air show, listen carefully for the expertise and colorful commentary of SkyTalker Danny Clisham and Rob Reider.

Danny is a veteran air show announcer who has presided over hundreds of air shows across the country. Danny also works in television and movies as an aviation stunt coordinator. Danny Clisham's home page click here: www.dannyclisham.com

Rob Reider is also a veteran air show announcer, recipient of the coveted ICAS "Sword of Excellence," entertainer, pilot, Midwest television personality, singer, performer, writer, and winner of 5 Emmy awards. To visit Rob Reider's home page click here: www.robreider.com/

Metro Life Flight

Metro Life Flight has been flying since 1982. For the past 10 years, the MetroHealth System has owned its current fleet of four Sikorsky S-76 helicopters. Three Metro Life helicopters perform a flyby at this year's show. Metro Life Flight home page clicked here: www.metrohealth.org/Clinical/metrolifeflight/Default.asp

Cleveland Aeromodeling Society

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The Cleveland Aeromodeling Society showcases its radio-controlled aircraft at Burke Lakefront Airport. Watch the model versions of today's most exciting aircraft perform aerobatic maneuvers and stunts.

Skybusters Rocketry Club

Model Rocket Display with a 1/10 scale Saturn V Rocket. Get ready to countdown to lift-off! Skybusters Rocketry Club home page click here: www.SkyBusters.org

NASA Glenn Research Center Display

The NASA Glenn Research Center is a pioneer and innovator that has expanded horizons and opened frontiers for explorers in air and space. NASA's display focuses on its role in man's journey in flight. NASA Glenn home page click here: www.nasa.gov/centers/glenn

GATES OPEN AT 9:00 A.M.

NO ENTRY/RE-ENTRY AFTER 3:30 P.M.

Acts Subject to Change Without Notice