Military Lineup

The F-22 Raptor is a cutting-edge fighter jet designed for air superiority and multi-role combat. It combines advanced sensors, avionics, and weapons systems that give the pilot a "first-look, first-kill" advantage, allowing the aircraft to detect, identify, and neutralize threats before being detected itself. Equipped with a variety of missiles, including the AIM-120 AMRAAM and AIM-9 Sidewinder, it excels in both air-to-air and air-to-ground combat. Its stealth capabilities make it nearly invisible to enemy radar, enhancing survivability. The F-22's powerful engines enable supersonic flight without afterburners, known as supercruise, significantly extending its range and speed. With a high thrust-to-weight ratio and advanced flight controls, it can outmaneuver other aircraft, ensuring unmatched lethality in combat. Additionally, the F-22's reliability and ease of maintenance set it apart, reducing downtime and operational costs.

Developed under the Advanced Tactical Fighter Program, the F-22 entered production in the early 2000s after extensive testing. The aircraft is primarily used by the 1st Fighter Wing, which became the first operational F-22 wing in 2005. The F-22 is tasked with maintaining air dominance and is considered a technological marvel, incorporating cutting-edge stealth, avionics, and weapons systems. It has a top speed of Mach 2, a range of over 1,850 miles, and a ceiling of 60,000 feet. The F-22's operational success and its role in showcasing American airpower are epitomized by pilots like Captain Samuel “RaZZ” Larson, the current commander of the F-22 Demonstration Team, who performs for audiences worldwide, demonstrating the aircraft's exceptional agility and precision.

The F-35B Lightning II Demo Team / VMFAT-501 is the Marine Corps variant of the joint Strike Fighter. Featuring a vertical lift fan and pivoting engine nozzle, it can takeoff with a full combat load in around 500’, execute supersonic flight over 1.5 Mach and leverage its stealth capabilities to target enemy forces, making it an exceptional expeditionary platform. The F-35B is replacing the AV-8B Harrier IIs in the Marine Corps inventory.

The F-35's low observable stealth allows it to safely enter areas without being seen by radars that 4th generation fighters cannot evade. The combination of the stealth features, the F-35’s active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar technology, and the aircraft’s ability to carry weapons internally means the F-35 can engage ground targets at long ranges without detection and use precision weapons to successfully complete air-to-ground missions.

The F-35 helmet and visor system is truly an engineering marvel that represents today’s fifth-generation warfighter. The key difference between the F-35 helmet and a traditional fourth-generation warfighter helmet used on the F-16 is that all the flight and mission data is presented to the pilot on a display, mounted to the helmet. In addition, the helmet is connected to six infrared cameras located around the aircraft, providing a 360-degree view and unprecedented situational awareness. If the pilot looks around in certain conditions, they don’t see the cockpit or even their legs. All they see are their surroundings like terrain, with the flight critical and mission data projected inside the helmet.

The A-10 Thunderbolt II is a legendary close air support aircraft renowned for its durability, agility, and devastating firepower. Designed around its iconic 30mm GAU-8/A Gatling gun, the A-10 is built to excel in combat, capable of withstanding significant damage and continuing its mission. Its robust design allows it to operate in rugged conditions and perform a range of missions, from tank-busting to troop support.

At the National Cherry Festival Airshow, the 107th Fighter Squadron "Red Devils" from the Michigan Air National Guard will present a thrilling aerial demonstration featuring two A-10 Thunderbolt IIs. Spectators will witness the skill of the Red Devils pilots as they demonstrate the Warthog’s capabilities in both combat scenarios and precision flight. This display not only showcases the A-10’s vital role in military operations but also honors the proud heritage of the 107th Fighter Squadron and its commitment to excellence.

Patrol Squadron Thirty (VP-30), the “Pro’s Nest,” is the U.S. Navy’s Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS). VP-30’s mission is to provide P-8A specific training to pilots, Naval Flight Officers and enlisted aircrew prior to reporting to the Fleet. VP-30 is Navy’s largest aviation squadron and the only site conducting maritime patrol fleet replacement training.

The Boeing P-8A is a multi-mission maritime patrol aircraft excelling in anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. It can fly up to 41,000 feet with a maximum speed of 490 knots. Fitted with an in-flight refueling system, the P-8’s endurance and range allow it to conduct extended patrols over vast expanses of water.

The CH-47F Chinook supports a full spectrum of operations including disaster relief, homeland defense and security, and current overseas contingency operations with a Future Force system design. It is the Army's only heavy-lift cargo helicopter supporting critical combat and non-combat operations. The CH-47F's common cockpit enables multiservice digital compatibility and interoperability for improved situational awareness, mission performance, and survivability, as well as future growth potential. The Chinook has an empty weight of 24,578 pounds, maximum gross weight of 50,000 pounds, and a maximum cruise speed of 160 knots. It has a troop capacity of 36 (33 troops plus 3 crew members). The CH-47F can lift intra-theater payloads up to 16,000 pounds in high/hot environments.

The CH-47F is being flown by Bravo Company, 3-238^th General Support Aviation Battalion (GSAB) / Michigan Army National Guard, based out of Selfridge Air National Guard Base.

The U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City is a vital part of Great Lakes safety, specializing in search and rescue missions, law enforcement, and environmental protection. During the National Cherry Festival Air Show, the USCG will showcase the skill and precision of its crews with a thrilling demonstration of real-life rescue techniques. As a proud Coast Guard City, Traverse City celebrates the dedication and service of the men and women who keep our waters safe. We are honored to have the U.S. Coast Guard as part of the festival and grateful for their unwavering commitment to our community.