Performers

United States Air Force Thunderbirds

The USAF Air Demonstration Squadron (“Thunderbirds”) is the air demonstration squadron of the United States Air Force (USAF).[1] The Thunderbirds are assigned to the 57th Wing, and are based at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. Created 70 years ago in 1953, the USAF Thunderbirds are the third-oldest formal flying aerobatic team (under the same name) in the world, after the United States Navy Blue Angels formed in 1946 and the French Air Force Patrouille de France formed in 1931.

The Thunderbirds Squadron tours the United States and much of the world, performing aerobatic formation and solo flying in specially marked aircraft. The squadron’s name is taken from the legendary creature that appears in the mythologies of several indigenous North American cultures.

Rick Volker – Sukhoi SU-26 M Aerobatics

Rick has created a unique performance in the Sukhoi SU-26M. There is a common theme in all of his displays: Complete mastery of the aircraft’s possible flight envelope, pushing the boundaries of both low and high speed limits, and artfully utilizing the smallest three dimensional space to create a masterpiece of entertainment.
The Sukhoi SU-26M is like no other Unlimited aerobatic airplane. Designed in an era of unlimited Soviet budgets, it’s a super plane out to prove a point… and the point was made with after win in the World Aerobatic Championships. Its ultra high lift wing features a massive symmetrical camber. The titanium and composite airframe can withstand G loads that are unsurvivable by humans (even Rick). Paired with the nearly 400 horsepower Vendeneyev M-14P radial engine, a better than 1:1 thrust to weight ratio was achieved. The result is a plane that can do the things it does in any flight attitude, and many things that can’t be replicated by any other aircraft. Rick takes full advantage of the Sukhoi’s unique capabilities. His routines are a roller coaster of artistry and athleticism, alternating frequently between violent maneuvers and delicate finesse.
Entering the competition aerobatic world by storm, Rick won numerous regional Unlimited aerobatic contests, such as the Can-Am, Henry Haigh, and Kathy Jaffe Challenges in both the Pitts biplanes and Sukhoi monoplanes. He is a former competitor in athletic events such as swimming, speed skating, bicycle racing, cross-country skiing, body building, and he is an active track cyclist. This is the type of conditioning required to fly at this level, as it tests the limits of human endurance. While flying Unlimited aircraft, Rick alternates between plus-11 and minus-9 Gs, often in the same maneuver.

The Sukhoi SU-26 M was designed and built in Moscow by the Sukhoi Design Bureau: the principal supplier of fighters, bombers and attack aircraft to the Russian military. The SU-26 M combines a 360-400 HP nine cylinder radial engine with a composite and titanium airframe to create an aircraft capable of hovering in place, reaching 280 mph and handling more G forces than an F-16. In this aircraft, the pilot becomes the limiting factor of what can be demonstrated. The Sukhoi is the most sought-after competition aircraft in the world. Rick’s Sukhoi SU-26 M was featured on the Discovery Channel series “How Machines Work”.

High Flight Mustangs P-51 Demo Team “Little Witch” & “Mad Max”

Lou Horschel and Ariel Luedi form a unique P-51 acrobatic demo team. Mad Max is a Cavalier Mustang II that flew with El Savador FAS 401 in 1969. Owner : Lou Horschel The Little Witch was originally built as a D-Model and was transferred to the RCAF Squadron 420 in 1950. Owner : Ariel Luedi.

Bent Wing Bros. (Corsair Demo)

The original Corsair dual act routine of Jim Tobul in his F-4U-4 Corsair and Lou Horschel in his Goodyear FG-1 D. The Bent Wing Bros. (Brothers) have performed in Rochester before and we welcome them back this year.

National Warplane Museum Whiskey 7

The C-47 Dakota was the cargo aircraft which was the workhorse of the Army Air Corps during World War II. It was also affectionately known as the “Gooney Bird”. It served in all theaters of the war and served in civilian capacity to help establish the U.S. airlines.

W7 is truly a WWII veteran. This aircraft originally served with the 12th Air Force in the Mediterranean Theater in 1943 and the 9th Air Force in England 1944-1945 as part of the 316th Troop Carrier Group. It was one of the lead aircraft of the first strike of the D-Day invasion on June 6th, 1944 over Ste. Mere Eglise, Normandy. It transported paratroopers for the 82nd Airborne Division as part of Operation NEPTUNE. Flak was very heavy during these missions but this C-47 managed to survive it all.

C-17& KC-135 Demo (Requested)

C-5 Galaxy (Static-Awaiting approval)

Other Military Demos (Requested)