Lovers of all things aviation are expected to turn out by the thousands for the semi-annual Air Power Over Hampton Roads Air Show, April 22-24, at Langley Air Force Base.
Among those in attendance will be four full-sized airplanes, a couple of unmanned aircraft systems and a number of displays from NASA’s Langley Research Center just across the airfield from the Hampton, Virginia, base.
“Both of our facilities are about to celebrate our 100th birthday,” said Michelle Ferebee, the NASA Langley Centennial Steering Team chair. “We both started at Langley Field, where the air force base is now. The Air Force recognizes its Langley centennial in December this year when the deed to the land was signed. We officially celebrate our establishment in July next year, which marks the 100th anniversary of the groundbreaking of our first building.”
But both the Air Force and NASA will have a number of events to recognize their 100 years in existence before the actual anniversaries. Air Power Over Hampton Roads is the first. It’s being advertised as “100 years of airpower.”
A lot of airpower will be roaring above the heads of the crowd during the air show’s two-and-a-half day run. Among the scheduled performers are the USAF Thunderbirds, the F-22 Raptor Team, the U.S. Army Golden Knights, the U.S. Navy TAC Demon Team and many more according to the Air Power Over Hampton Roads website.
NASA Langley’s four aircraft will be on the ground close to the flight line along with tents featuring science, space and aviation exhibits. The planes include the Vietnam War-era Ov-10A Bronco, the former U.S. Coast Guard HU-25C Guardian, the Cirrus SR22 and the Cessna 206H Stationair. All are or have been used in aviation and airborne science research.
The first day of the air show falls on Earth Day. That’s perfect timing for highlighting NASA Langley’s earth science research. Visitors can stop the 30-foot diameter Earth Dome inflatable tent and check out a couple of science demonstrations.
Air show attendees can also get a look at Orion capsule and Space Launch System rocket models and some remotely piloted aircraft that NASA Langley engineers use to develop technologies to help integrate drones safely into the skies.
Air Power Over Hampton Roads runs from 5 to11 p.m. with a concert and fireworks on Friday, April 22 and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, April 23-24. The aerial performances start at 10:30 a.m.
