March Field AirFest

When I was about eight years old, my parents took me to the Great State Fair of Oklahoma.  I remember being excited about the opportunity to ride the rides and stuff myself silly on cotton candy and funnel cake.  Unfortunately, today what I remember most about the experience isn’t the fun on the midway, but rather, the nightmare of my parents trying to find the correct place to park the car.  After several wrong turns and failed attempts to find the fairgrounds parking area, my parents were so confused and lost that what had started out as a day of fun ended up as nothing more than a morning of sheer frustration.

Luckily, folks attending Air Fest 2010 should be able to avoid that type of experience thanks to the work of the 452^nd Security Forces Squadron.

For the last few months, the SFS has been putting together a master plan, determining exactly how to get cars on base and what to do with them once they’ve arrived.  The key to a good parking experience?  Patience and following directions.

“We’re talking about 375,000 people visiting the base on that weekend, so it’s going to be a lot of cars.  The best thing is to just be patient and keep the road rage to a minimum.  We’ll be working as fast as we can to get people on and off the installation,” said Master Sgt. Darryl J. Heisser, Criminal Investigator with the 452^nd SFS.

Both the Cactus and Riverside Avenue gates will be open for entry to the base during the air show.  From there, several traffic control points manned by more than 380 individuals made up of JROTC cadets, military and local police and volunteers will direct drivers to the proper parking areas.  In all, there will be four parking areas for air show attendees.  These areas are designed to get folks parked as close as possible to the air show center-stage without endangering pedestrians or interfering with the actual show.

“The majority of guests will be parked on the actual ramp.  It’ll be kind of like Disneyland there, a bunch of rows and a sea of cars,” said Sgt. Heisser.

Heisser said the best way to avoid parking frustration and problems is to simply follow the directions and anticipate a bit of a wait…although hopefully it won’t be too bad.

“There is going to be a lot of traffic, but not like a Friday afternoon on the 91 to L.A.,” he said.

In the end, it’s as simple as showing up at the Cactus or Riverside gate, and then waiting patiently to be directed to a parking area.  That will make sure your memories of Air Fest 2010 are of the actual show…and not of parking the car!

Zach
4th Air Force Public Affairs | March Air Reserve Base

The United States Navy Legacy Flight program was established in 1999. It involves today’s state-of-the-art fighters flying in close formation with World War II, Korean War and Vietnam vintage Navy and Marine Corps fighters such as the F6F Hellcat and the North American Fury.   At the March Field AirFest, the F-18 will be flying with the F-6F.  Here’s some information about both aircraft:
 
A-18 Hornet strike fighter
The single-seat F/A-18 Hornet is the nation’s first strike-fighter. It was designed for traditional strike applications such as interdiction and close air support without compromising its fighter capabilities. With its excellent fighter and self-defense capabilities, the F/A-18 at the same time increases strike mission survivability and supplements the F-14 Tomcat in fleet air defense. F/A-18 Hornets are currently operating in 37 tactical squadrons from air stations world-wide, and from 10 aircraft carriers. The U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron proudly flies them. The Hornet comprises the aviation strike force for seven foreign customers including Canada, Australia, Finland, Kuwait, Malaysia, Spain and Switzerland.

The newest model, Super Hornet, is highly capable across the full mission spectrum: air superiority, fighter escort, reconnaissance, aerial refueling, close air support, air defense suppression and day/night precision strike. Compared to the original F/A-18 A through D models, Super Hornet has longer range, an aerial refueling capability, increased survivability/lethality and improved carrier suitability.

F-6F Hellcat
The Hellcat (nicknamed the “ace maker”) is an aircraft specifically developed to counter the Japanese Zero (A6M).  There were 12,500 planes produced starting in October 1942.  They entered service in mid-1943. 

On an average the Hellcat flew 55MPH faster than the Zero; at about 20,000 feet in was 70 MPH faster.  At altitudes in excess of 10,000 feet, it had a comparable rate of climb.  At all altitudes it could out-dive the A6M.  It had a 250 gallons capacity in internal tanks and a 150 gallon belly drop-tank.  Basic weaponry consisted of six wing-mounted .50 caliber machine guns, each with 400 rounds.  It could carry up two, 1,000 pounds bombs.  It also had six five-inch High Velocity Aircraft Rockets (HVARs).

Linda
4th Air Force Public Affairs | March Air Reserve Base

The F-22 Demo team

Today and tomorrow, several of our air show performers will be making visits in the community, bringing the excitement of the AirFest and aviation, in some cases, to people who would not otherwise be able to attend.

Tonight, the F-15E Strike Eagle pilot and crew will visit kids at the Loma Linda Children’s Hospital. The next day, they will make a visit to Moreno Valley High School.

Tomorrow morning, our F-22 Raptor pilot will be visiting the Loma Linda Veterans Hospital while members of the F-22 Demo Team crew will visit a local high school. In the afternoon, the Raptor will take to the skies for its AirFest practice run.

All day today, the mini-C-17 will be at Riverside Plaza. It is a replica of the Air Force C-17 Globemaster III, but built on a Gator frame. The mini-C-17 crew boxed it up at its home base in South Carolina and it flew here in the back of a big C-17. At the Riverside Plaza, you can explore in and around it, and crawl inside for pictures in the cockpit.

Also, pay attention to your local newspapers, television stations, and radio channels, as many of our performers have been giving interviews. Knowing more about the pilots and aircraft makes it even more fun when you watch them perform at the show!

Megan
Editor, The Beacon | March Air Reserve Base

To me, there aren’t many things cooler than watching an aircraft in flight…especially when that aircraft is one of the premiere fighter planes in the U.S. Air Force.

The F-15E Strike Eagle is, in my opinion, one of the coolest planes ever created. When I was a kid, I had a poster of an F-15E on my bedroom wall. Funny thing is, I’ve never actually seen one in flight, so I’m super-fired-up about the F-15E Strike Eagle demonstration during Air Fest 2010! Maybe I’m a bit of a plane nerd, but gimme a break. I mean, check out how awesome this aircraft actually is:

The F-15E is a dual-role fighter, which means it can perform air-to-air or air-to-ground combat missions. It can fight its way into a target over long ranges, destroy enemy ground positions, and then fight its way back out. That’s the Air Force definition of multi-tasking!

In combat, the F-15E can carry almost every weapon in the Air Force inventory, as well as several air-to-air missiles. It also has an internally mounted 20mm gun that can carry up to 500 rounds of ammo…plenty of firepower!

Not only is this plane a potent weapon in combat; it also has some big-time performance credentials. It has the capability to accelerate from idle power to full afterburner in less than four seconds! Its engines can produce up to 58,000 pounds of thrust…that’s an awful lot of horsepower. In fact, the F-15 was the first ever U.S. operational aircraft with the ability to accelerate while in a vertical climb straight up!

The F-15E is a two-seater aircraft, with a pilot and a weapons system officer in the cockpit. While the pilot is doing the flying, the weapons system officer is in charge of monitoring aircraft weapons status, selecting targets and using an electronic “moving map” to navigate.

The F-15E demonstration aircraft is flown by Maj. Mike “Cash” Maeder. In the backseat is the aircraft weapons system officer, Capt. John “Gizmo” Cox. These two fliers show off the mighty F-15E Strike Eagle to more than 7 million people at approximately 65 shows around the world…and this year, we’re lucky enough to see them strut their stuff at Air Fest 2010! And, I’ll FINALLY get to see this plane in the air! How cool is that?

Zach
4th Air Force Public Affairs | March Air Reserve Base

Tim Decker, upside down

Tim Decker is a professional pilot with more than 5000 hours in both military and civilian aircraft.  He has flown in air shows for six seasons with only one break to serve in the Persian Gulf as a U-2 squadron commander for the United States Air Force flying daily combat missions over Iraq and Afghanistan.  He retired from the USAF in 2009 marking an incredible 20-year career.  Tim carries an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate as well as Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), Certified Flight Instructor Instruments (CFII), and Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI) ratings.  In addition, he holds a Level 1, Unrestricted Solo Aerobatics, Circle Jumpers, Statement of Acrobatic Competency License (I guess we could call that one a L1-USACJSACL!) 

Come see his candy-cane Pitts (and I’m not talking body part here) as he performs a high-energy, aerial acrobatic show at the March Field AirFest!

Linda
4th Air Force Public Affairs | March Air Reserve Base

The C-17 Globemaster III is considered to be the best and brightest, the golden child, the apple in Uncle Sam’s eye so to speak, when it comes to the Air Force’s fleet of cargo jets. It is the most flexible and youngest cargo jet and it’s also very reliable and relatively easy to maintain. Its mission is to deliver cargo and people for military and humanitarian missions. Most recently, March’s C-17s have taken supplies to American Samoa and Haiti following major earthquakes.

Loading supplies on two March C-17s bound for Haiti

The design of the aircraft allows it to operate through small, unmaintained airfields if they need to. It can take off and land on runways that are short and narrow. Even on narrow runways, the C-17 can turn around using what’s called a three-point star turn and its ability to back-up the jet. It is very agile and can maneuver in a way not expected from such a huge monster. The C-17 has taken fire while on missions but has never been shot down.

Despite the hugeness of the plane, it only requires 3 personnel to fly it, two pilots and one loadmaster. The loadmaster is responsible for loading anything and everything. This anything and everything includes personnel, equipment, aid and supplies, and once upon a time live dolphins. Yes! That’s right, a C-17 using a March ARB crew, transported dolphins from San Diego to New Caledonia in the Pacific, in order to find and get rid of over 200 mines that were placed there during World War II.

The best story I heard that gives a good visual as to the capacity of the C-17 came from a loadmaster who once fit two 18-wheelers into the plane! Yep, two semi-trucks can fit into the humongous cargo plane. He said there was literally inches between the two trucks and the sides of the plane. Wow! That’s one impressive jet!

Here are some basic facts about the C-17 Globemaster III:
Wingspan: 169 feet 10 inches (to winglet tips) Length: 174 feet Height: 55 feet 1 inch Cargo Compartment: length, 88 feet; width, 18 feet; height, 12 feet 4 inches
Speed: 450 knots at 28,000 feet (8,534 meters) (Mach .76)
Maximum Peacetime Takeoff Weight: 585,000 pounds
Load: 102 troops/paratroops; 36 litter and 54 ambulatory patients and attendants; 170,900 pounds of cargo (18 pallet positions)

Megan C.
452nd Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs | March Air Reserve Base

MTV Fantasy Factory's Rob Dyrdek

Hey everyone! Rob Dyrdek, the star of MTV’s Fantasy Factory reality show, is coming to our air show. Towards the end of the day, the Air Force Reserve Command will be hosting a VIP meet and greet with Rob.  Air Force reservists, family and friends are welcome to attend.

Rob Dyrdek was last at March ARB in September to film an episode of his show where he flew in an Air Force Reserve F -16. If you’re planning to meet Rob on Saturday, you must have your military ID with you. For more information please call 877-883-6223 or visit the event website.

Tashia
March Air Reserve Base

The KC-135 Stratotanker has been refueling he Air Force for more than 50 years and can transfer up to 200,000 pounds of fuel.  It also refuels the Navy, Marine Corps and our allies from around the world. 

A March Air Reserve Base KC-135 Stratotanker refuels an F-22 Raptor

The main attraction of the KC-135 is the flying boom.  The boom looks like a long pipe that sits underneath the aircraft and it’s what funnels the gas. 

There is a boom operator, also known as a boomer, who controls the boom.  The boomer has their own area in the floor at the back of the aircraft. They lie on their stomach and use a joystick type of controller to maneuver the boom into the gas tanks of other aircraft.  There is a window in front and on the sides so they can watch what they’re doing. 

Not only is the KC-135 the best at in-flight refueling, it is also diverse in its ability to do it.  There is an additional contraption attached and hanging behind the boom that allows it to refuel aircraft fitted with probes, which means it can refuel two planes at a time.   

Aside from its many methods of refueling, the KC-135 has additional duties.  Any military member should be way familiar with that concept and I’m sure the majority of civilians are too.  Its additional duties are carrying cargo (83,000 pounds), 37 passengers, reconnaissance, command post missions and even aeromedical evacuations.

Here are some basic facts about the KC-135 Stratotanker:Wingspan: 130 feet, 10 inches
Length: 136 feet, 3 inches
Height: 41 feet, 8 inches
Speed: 530 miles per hour at 30,000 feet
Range: 1,500 miles with 150,000 pounds of transfer fuel; ferry mission, up to 11,015 miles Maximum Cargo Capability: 83,000 pounds, 37 passengers

Megan C.
452nd Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs | March Air Reserve Base

John Collver understands that freedom isn’t free. That’s why his shows honor the men and women serving today and in the past in our nation’s armed forces. His aviation career spans more than 30 years with 14,000+ flying hours and 50+ types of aircraft from the Goodyear Blimp to military support with Northrop/Grumman. His love of aviation can be felt as you see him in his warbird, the AT-6/SNJ, is affectionately named “War Dog.” This WWII warbird has been around since 1944.

John Collver and the War Dog

John’s “sidekick” served the U.S. Marines and then the Japanese Self-defense Force before being saved by Warbirds West in Compton, Calif. After she was completely rebuilt to her original condition, John became her new owner. Inspite of more than 10,000 hours on her airframe, she is tough an still has plenty of flight hours left thanks to the meticulously detailed maintenance John regularly performs. John and his War Dog perform aerial ballet to patriotic music leaving many spectators with tears of fond times gone by.

War Dog’s specs:
Wing span – 42 ft.
Length – 29 ft. 6 in.
Performance speed – 212 mph

Linda
4th Air Force Public Affairs | March Air Reserve Base

Common sense says that if a car races and airplane, the airplane will always, always win, right? 

The great race

Well…not if the car is the USO Air Force Reserve “Smoke-n-Thunder” JetCar, driven by Bill Braack.  This car is fitted with a Westinghouse J34-48 jet engine which, when cranked up, goes from zero to almost 400 mph in just nine seconds!  (That’s just a slight bit faster than my old Tacoma accelerates onto the 215 freeway!) 

Smoke-n-Thunder is the fastest JetCar in the air show industry, and Braack proves it time and time again by outracing airplanes across the country.  He even gives the airplanes a head start and still wins!  The Smoke-n-Thunder’s 10,000 horsepower engine completely dominates its air-based competitors, pumping out 6,000 pounds of thrust and wowing audience members who just can’t believe a car can outrace an airplane.  (And, I figure, embarrassing pilots who dare challenge the JetCar to a race!) 

Braack is a 20-year veteran of the Air Force Reserve and a former flight engineer on C-130 and C-141 aircraft.  He’s also been drag racing since 1982, and knows there is no room for error when driving a 26-foot long rocket at 400 mph.  When this car hits tops speed, it’s easy to see how it could struggle to become airborne itself!  But Braack makes sure the car stays on the ground…and keeps beating aircraft after aircraft in a display of raw horsepower. 

Yeah…common sense says the airplane always wins.  But, the Smoke-n-Thunder JetCar pretty much defies common sense altogether…and makes for one incredible show! 

Zach
4th Air Force Public Affairs | March Air Reserve Base