Grissom

Air & Space Expo

434th Base Logo

Grissom

Air & Space Expo

Aerial Performers

Thunderbirds

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, or "America's Team," are an elite aerobatic demonstration squadron based at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, flying six red, white, and blue F-16C Fighting Falcons. Formed in 1953, they perform precision formation and solo maneuvers worldwide to showcase Air Force power and professionalism, featuring over 130 personnel.

Aarron Deliu

Aarron Deliu hails from Australia and is a professional aerobatic pilot, airshow performer, and commercial business jet pilot.

NextGen Eagles

The NextGen Eagles Aerobatic Team are a professional two-ship formation aerobatic team performing in the iconic, red-and-white striped Christen Eagle II biplanes. Led by Leland Kracher with wingman Stephen Covington, the team brings a high-energy, nostalgic show featuring tight, low-level, and, at times, opposing maneuvers, often with minimal wingtip separation.

Greg Koontz

Greg Koontz is one of the world's premier aerobatic instructors, and he has showcased his skill and expertise at airshows all over the world.

Wings of Blue

The Wings of Blue is the official U.S. Air Force Academy parachute team, operating under the 98th Flying Training Squadron to perform, train, and inspire through, elite skydiving. Based in Colorado, the team conducts aerial demonstrations at major sporting events and air shows, while also instructing the Academy's Basic Freefall Parachuting course (AM-490).

P-51 "Gunfighter"

Gunfighter has been offering ride flights and thrilling crowds at airshows for over 40 years. Its mission is to honor the sacrifices of those who have served and inspire the next generation of aviators. The aircraft is a P-51 D Model Mustang, serial number 44-73264. Of the approximately 15,000 P-51s produced during WWII, over 8,000 were D models. Today, only about 150 airworthy examples of Mustangs exist world-wide in museums, flying or under restoration.

DC-3

The Douglas DC-3 is a revolutionary twin-engine propeller airliner, first flown in 1935, that transformed commercial aviation by enabling profitable, reliable air travel. Seating 21-32 passengers, it featured all-metal construction, a 95-foot wingspan, and a ~170 mph cruise speed. Over 13,000 were produced, with many serving in World War II.

Hueys 369

American Huey 369 is a Peru, Indiana-based non-profit (formed in 2006) dedicated to preserving Vietnam War-era Huey helicopters and honoring veterans. They maintain four airworthy, restored UH-1 helicopters and are constructing the 34,000 sq ft National American Huey History Museum, scheduled to open in 2026.

Black Hawk

The 38th Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB), headquartered in Shelbyville, Indiana, is a key Army National Guard unit operating UH-60 Black Hawk and LUH-72 Lakota helicopters. Part of the 38th Infantry Division, this brigade includes about 900 Guardsmen and supports diverse missions, including air assault, medical evacuation, and disaster response.

FW F-16

The F-16 Fighting Falcon ("Viper") is a compact, multirole fighter (Mach 2+) featuring a frameless bubble canopy, side-stick controller, and 9G maneuverability. Produced by Lockheed Martin, it is used by the U.S. Air Force, ANG, and 25+ nations. Key specs include a 32-ft wingspan, ~27,000 lbs thrust, and 11+ hardpoints for varied air-to-air/ground munitions.

B-1

Carrying the largest conventional payload of both guided and unguided weapons in the Air Force inventory, the multi-mission B-1 is the backbone of America's long-range bomber force. It can rapidly deliver massive quantities of precision and non-precision weapons against any adversary, anywhere in the world, at any time.

Static Displays

P-51 "Gunfighter"

Gunfighter has been offering ride flights and thrilling crowds at airshows for over 40 years. Its mission is to honor the sacrifices of those who have served and inspire the next generation of aviators. The aircraft is a P-51 D Model Mustang, serial number 44-73264. Of the approximately 15,000 P-51s produced during WWII, over 8,000 were D models. Today, only about 150 airworthy examples of Mustangs exist world-wide in museums, flying or under restoration.

B-29Doc

Doc is a B-29 Superfortress and one of 1,644 manufactured in Wichita during World War II. Since 1987 when Tony Mazzolini found Doc on sitting and rotting away in the Mojave Desert, plans have been in the works to restore the historic warbird to flying status to serve as a flying museum.

T-6

The T-6 Texan II is a modern single-engine, turboprop aircraft utilized by the U.S. Air Force and Navy for joint primary pilot training. Manufactured by Beechcraft (formerly Raytheon), it features stepped-tandem seating for an instructor and student. It delivers 1,100 horsepower, a 3,100 ft/min climb rate, and features Martin-Baker ejection seats.

A-10

The A-10C 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 light maritime attack aircraft and all ground targets, including tanks and other armored vehicles.

F-15

The F-15 Eagle is an all-weather, extremely maneuverable, tactical fighter designed to permit the Air Force to gain and maintain air supremacy over the battlefield.

FW F-16

The F-16 Fighting Falcon ("Viper") is a compact, multirole fighter (Mach 2+) featuring a frameless bubble canopy, side-stick controller, and 9G maneuverability. Produced by Lockheed Martin, it is used by the U.S. Air Force, ANG, and 25+ nations. Key specs include a 32-ft wingspan, ~27,000 lbs thrust, and 11+ hardpoints for varied air-to-air/ground munitions.

F-22

The F-22 Raptor is combination of stealth, supercruise, maneuverability, and integrated avionics, coupled with improved supportability, represents an exponential leap in warfighting capabilities. The Raptor performs both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions allowing full realization of operational concepts vital to the 21st century Air Force.

KC-135

The Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker is the U.S. Air Force's primary aerial refueling aircraft, in continuous service for over 60 years. It enables global reach by refueling bombers, fighters, and cargo planes with up to 200,000 pounds of fuel. Primarily, it features a flying boom, but some use specialized pods for multi-point refueling.

C-5

The Lockheed Martin C-5M Super Galaxy is the largest strategic airlifter in the U.S. Air Force, providing heavy, intercontinental-range airlift for outsized cargo, such as tanks and helicopters. It boasts a maximum payload of over 270,000 lbs, a 222-foot wingspan, and features nose-to-tail cargo doors for simultaneous loading/unloading. The C-5M represents the modernized fleet, with upgrades allowing for improved performance and a service life beyond 2040.

AFGSC B-52

The Boeing B-52 Stratofortress is an American long-range subsonic jet-powered strategic bomber. The B-52 was designed and built by Boeing, which has continued to provide support and upgrades. It has been operated by the United States Air Force (USAF) since 1955 and was flown by NASA from 1959 to 2007. The bomber can carry up to 70,000 pounds (32,000 kg) of weapons and has a typical combat range of around 8,800 miles (14,200 km) without aerial refueling.

OA-1K

The Skyraider II is a cost-effective crewed aircraft that is adaptable across the spectrum of conflict. It is designed to have the ability to support special operations forces as well as the Joint Force through close air support, precision strike, and armed intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.

Republic E175

The Republic Airways combined fleet of over 300 Embraer 170/175s delivers excellent performance and operations efficiencies, both in the air and on the ground. The E-Jet is the leader in the regional airline industry — a true business warrior.

"Bear in the Air"

The Indiana State Police Aviation Section operates a centralized fleet of three helicopters and two fixed-wing airplanes out of their base at the Indy South Greenwood Airport. Nicknamed the "Bear in the Air", the unit provides free air support, search-and-rescue, and surveillance to local agencies across all 92 Indiana counties.

Wayne Taylor Racing

Competing in the top classes of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship series, Wayne Taylor Racing has expanded to a two-car GTP program with Cadillac Racing as well as competes with Lamborghini in the GTD class.