On The Ground 2013 Performers
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On the Static Ramp
UH-60 Blackhawk
Over 1,200 Army Blackhawks now serve with Active Army and National Guard units around the world. Logging over 4 million flight hours to date, the Army Blackhawk flies wherever duty calls from desert to arctic climates. It has the ability of carrying up to 12 combat troops or 6 litter patients on virtually any kind of mission. The Blackhawk can fly up to 193 knots, operate at 20,000 feet, hover at 9,000 feet, and carry up to 22,000 pounds do to the 2 T700-GE-700 engines which provide over 1,546 SHP each.
This aircraft is one of 10 Charlie Company 1st Battalion 137th Assault aircraft located in Shelbyville, Indiana. The Army Aviation Support Facility also houses a MEDEVAC company, a maintenance company, and 2 headquarters companies. Each unit has participated in major operations overseas like: New Horizons, Desert Spring, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and New Dawn. They have also deployed within the United States to support missions such as: the Montana forest fires of 2000, Louisiana and Mississippi Hurricane Katrina rescue and clean up efforts of 2005, Arizona border security in 2006, as well as numerous floods, blizzards, tornados, and fires in Indiana.
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Civil Air Patrol
The U.S. Civil Air Patrol (“CAP”) has been at the forefront of community service for more than six decades – in time of war and peace – its members giving far more than they could hope to receive in return. CAP members do this for love of country, respect for their fellow man, and their desire to contribute to their communities.
As the civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, CAP performs no combat function. They perform essential non-combat missions for the Air Force in time of need; as embodied in the CAP Mission Statement: “To serve America by developing our Nation’s youth; accomplishing local, state and national emergency and humanitarian missions; and educating our citizens on the impact of aviation and space.”
CAP Aircraft / Vehicles on the Static Ramp: C-182 G-1000 search aircraft, Gippsland GA-8 reconnaissance aircraft, Blanik L-23 sailplane, 12 passenger GMC ground team search van. Visit the CAP web site to find out more.
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KC-135R Cockpit Mockup & Boom Simulator
The 434th Air Refueling Wing from Indiana’s Grissom Air Reserve Base is one of the key refueling units in the Air Force Reserve. The wing provides mid-air refueling with Boeing KC-135R Stratotankers to long-range bombers, fighters, and cargo aircraft. In addition to being a self-contained combat-ready unit, the 434th Air Refueling Wing also has the responsibility to operate and maintain Grissom Air Reserve Base. Grissom is one of only four Air Force Reserve Bases nationwide.
The 434th Air Refueling Wing holds the record for most aerial refuelings in a one-week period when the unit performed 290 aerial refuelings, with over one million pounds of fuel offloaded. The unit also set a single day record of refueling 90 aircraft, with over 283,000 pounds of fuel offloaded. These records were established in 1981. Make sure to visit the KC-135 cockpit mockup and air refueling boom simulator!
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Grace on Wings
Air ambulance charity Grace on Wings the nation’s only Licensed and Certified charity air ambulance service based on faith will be on station at this year’s Indianapolis Air Show. The Mitsubishi MU-2 aircraft named “Nellie” operated by the service will be available for viewing. Since its inception in November of 2007, Grace on Wings has transported patients across the United States with medical conditions that included Stroke, MVA, Cancer, and Trauma. Through 2012 Grace on Wings has provided over 2,001,045.00 in charitable assistance and flown over 300,425 miles.
Many people are unable to afford the transport to get the medical care they so desperately need. With the support of charitable funding, Grace on Wings is able to provide high quality transport that is not covered by insurance. Each flight is staffed with volunteer professionals. Grace on Wings is a non-profit organization that provides cost-effective Air Ambulance transport for individuals needing to travel within the United States for important medical treatment. To be eligible, patients must have a condition requiring medically supervised transport of a distance of at least 150 miles. Grace on Wings” is able to offer charity-subsidized fares through the gracious donations of caring people. If you would like to make a donation or learn more about Grace on Wings, please visit their website .
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FedEx ATR-42
The ATR 42 is a twin-turboprop, short-haul regional airliner built in France and Italy by ATR. The name “42” comes from the aircraft’s standard seating which varies from 40 to 52. Additionally, all ATR 42 variants are capable of being converted to cargo transport aircraft.
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FedEx Cessna 208B Super Cargomaster
The Cessna 208 Caravan is a single turboprop engine, fixed-gear short-haul regional airliner and utility aircraft. The airplane can be configured to seat nine passengers with a single person crew, or used for cargo feederliner operations. Many variants include an under-belly cargo pod, which can be used for additional freight capacity, or for passenger baggage.
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Mooney Ambassadors
The Mooney name has earned its place in the pantheon of aviation legends. Founded in 1929, the Mooney Airplane Company has delivered more than 11,000 aircraft worldwide. The story of Mooney has been one of constant innovation, industry leadership and the passion for flight. A History of Innovation: First pressurized single-engine, piston-powered aircraft (M22 Mustang); First production aircraft to achieve 200 mph on 200 hp (M20J 201); First single-engine power-control certified (FADEC) in the United States (M20L Porsche); First single-engine aircraft certified for flight into known icing conditions (M20M DX w/TKS anti-icing system); Fastest single-engine aircraft produced (Mooney Acclaim). Record-setting Achievements: 132 world speed records; Fastest transcontinental flight in a single-engine, piston-powered production aircraft; Altitude records; Fastest single-engine retractable, normally aspirated production aircraft; Routinely cruises at altitudes and speeds similar to a twin-engine turboprop.
The Mooney Ambassadors are an industry breaking idea mobilized to support Mooney Airplane Company, to Promote General Aviation, and to have Somplace Wonderful to fly. They have Ambassadors in Canada, Europe, Turkey, Australia, New Zealand and all over the United States. Their all volunteer group attends fly-ins, airport days and display days. They talk with the flying and non-flying public about General Aviation. Many owners give tours of their aircraft and allow visitors inside the cockpit. They are proud to show off their aircraft which are hand-made in Kerrville, Texas. They have been highlighted by AOPA, and have presented at AirVenture in Oshkosh. Ambassador founders Mitch Latting and Jolie Lucas present multi-media workships on promoting General Aviation. Check out their videos on YouTube. More information about the group can be found at http://www.MooneyAmbassadors.com .
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Cessna 310
Rock Skowbo has over 20,000 hours of flight time. Rock’s skills are not only in the A320 which he flies at United Airlines, but he has thousands of tailwheel hours as well. As a flight instructor, he instructs in everything from a J3 Cub to the Cessna 310. You will find him flying something almost every day of the week, including one of his own aircraft. When not in the cockpit he can be found getting his hands dirty turning the wrench on Jane Wicker's Stearman, Aurora, as well as other aircraft. He loves to work on airplanes almost as much as he loves to fly them. He is currently training to fly as one of the show pilots for Jane. Last year Rock became a wing walker himself when he climbed on the wing of Aurora.
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T-34C Turbo Mentor
Developed in the 1950's as a primary trainer for both the United States Navy and Air Force, the T-34 is used to instruct student pilots in basic flying skills. The original aircraft was designated as the T-34B and was used from 1955 to 1976. In 1978, the turbo-prop version of the T-34 entered service with the Navy.
Built by Beechcraft Inc., the T-34C "Turbo Mentor" utilizes a turbo-prop engine manufactured by Pratt & Whitney Aircraft of Canada (Model PT6A-25) large turbo-prop engine combined with a light airframe to produce flying qualities similar to, but safer than, those of military jet aircraft. The T-34 is an unpressurized, two-place tandem cockpit aircraft. It is used as the primary stage training aircraft for all Navy, Marine, and Coast Guard pilots as well as pilots from numerous other foreign countries.
Thank you to VT-27 for bringing a T-34 to the show.
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North American L17 Navion
On the static ramp this year is a 1946 North American L17 Navion. It was number 394 off the California assembly line when North American had stopped making P51s after we bombed Japan to end the war. These planes have a true Warbird heritage, having been used as Forward Air Controllers in Korea as well as serving as Liaison planes. The airplane has been up-dated with an IO 520 engine with 285 horsepower and a 3-blade prop. It is painted in Air Force markings as a tribute to my Lynda Kilbourne’s Dad, who flew P51s in WWII.
Lynda really loves to do static display and fly at air shows, as there are so few women who do this. She likes to show little girls that they can be pilots and own their own airplane if they want to. Be sure to stop by and say hello to Lynda.
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T-6 Texan II
The T-6A Texan II is a single-engine, two-seat primary trainer designed to train Joint Primary Pilot Training, or JPPT, students in basic flying skills common to U.S. Air Force and Navy pilots. The T-6A will be used in providing the basic skills necessary to progress to one of four training tracks: the Air Force bomber-fighter or the Navy strike track, the Air Force airlift-tanker or Navy maritime track, the Air Force or Navy turboprop track and the Air Force-Navy helicopter track.
The T-6A has a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-68 turbo-prop engine that delivers 1,100 horsepower. Because of its excellent thrust-to-weight ratio, the aircraft can perform an initial climb of 3,100 feet (944.8 meters) per minute and can reach 18,000 feet (5,486.4 meters) in less than six minutes. The aircraft is fully aerobatic and features a pressurized cockpit with an anti-G system, ejection seat and an advanced avionics package with sunlight-readable liquid crystal displays.
The first operational T-6A aircraft was delivered to the Air Force in May of 2000, and began service in JPPT in October 2001.
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Long-EZ
The Long-EZ is an experimental homebuilt aircraft designed by Burt Rutan in 1979. It was designed as a highly efficient long range 2 seat aircraft allowing cruise speeds of 160+ knots (185 Miles an hour) and covering over 2,000 miles on 52 gallons. The engine is a 235 cubic inch, 4 cylinder, 108 horsepower Lycoming O-235. The Pusher - Canard (engine in back, small wing up front) configuration is a very efficient design as both wings provide lift and the turbulent air from the propeller does not drag along the fuselage. The airplane is built from plans with no extraordinary skills and can be completed in one's average 1 car garage in about 1,200 to 1,500 hours of work for under $25,000. It is constructed from blocks of foam, fiberglass and epoxy resin, along with easy to acquire aircraft hardware, metal and wood.
The airplane parks on it's nose - called grazing - allowing it to sit in 35 mph winds without requiring tie downs. After the passenger boards, the pilot lifts the front of the aircraft to a level position and lowers the nose gear, then climbs in. Baggage pods can be attached to the wings (slowing the aircraft about 5 mph) to carry luggage.
This Long-EZ - N1344T - was built in 1982 by Warren "Rodie" Rodewald to fly to the Oshkosh Airshow from Honolulu Hawaii - unrefueled. He did this before the days of GPS with an 82 gallon tank in the rear seat; this flight was 4,497 miles, 32 hours, 125 gallons of fuel at 140 mph, averaging 36 mpg. The current owner has flown this aircraft from Northern California to New York and many points in-between. For a period of time, he made regular trips from Western Oklahoma to Chicago and back (~4.5 hours each way) twice a month in the EZ. Though it appears tight in the cockpit, it is comfortable to fly on long trips. I can easily beat the airlines anywhere within 1,000 miles and can get most anywhere in less than 1/3 the time it takes to drive.
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T-6B Texan II
The T-6B Texan II is a tandem-seat, turboprop trainer whose mission is to train Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and other allied services. The aircraft, manufactured by Hawker-Beechcraft, first arrived at Naval Air Station Whiting Field in August 2009, and has been slowly replacing the venerable T-34 Turbo Mentor as the plane used for primary flight training. The transition to the T-6B finalized April 17, 2012 for Training Air Wing FIVE at NAS Whiting Field. Approximately 150 Texan II aircraft are currently in service at the training base near Pensacola, Fla.
The T-6B is an advanced version of the T-6A Texan II. To replicate today’s high-tech frontline aircraft, the cockpit includes a Head-Up Display (HUD), Up-Front Control Panel (UFCP), and hands-on throttle and stick. An integrated glass cockpit and a state-of-the-art avionics suite greatly expands its training capabilities, enabling advanced systems and information management skills training.
To date, Hawker Beechcraft’s T-6 military trainer has been used to train pilots and navigators from approximately 20 different countries. The aircraft currently serves as the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy primary training aircraft, as well as the primary trainer for the NATO Flying Training Canada program, the Hellenic Air Force of Greece, the Iraqi Air Force, the Royal Moroccan Air Force, and the Israeli Air Force.
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Boeing PT-17 Stearman
Boeing PT-17 #41-25714 was manufactured on 5-11-1942. The aircraft was accepted to the USAAF on 5-16-1942 and flown to Maxwell Field, in Montgomery Alabama. On June the second of 1942 the plane was assigned to Union City Tennessee, which was a contract school run by Embry Riddle as the 67th AAFTD while at Union City TN the Aircraft was flown By Donald Strait who flew with the 361st f.s. in P-51s during the the war and scored 13.5 air victories along with receiving the rank of Major. The aircraft was re assigned on 2-10-1942 to Sweetwater Texas at Avenger field which was home of the WASP the( Women's Airforce Service Pilots) and remained there for the entire duration of the Wasp program. On the 12 of August 1944 the plane received its last assignment and went to Goodfellow Army Airforce Base in Texas. The plane was then declared surplus on June 19 1945 and sold surplus on the 28 of June 1945.
The Plane was then converted to a crop duster after the war and was spraying all the way until 1981 in the Las Cruses NM . in 1981 the plane was semi restored and kept flying till 2006 when I restored the plane back to its full original condition exact to the factory blue-prints and after extensive research in photo archives to locate a photo of the plane in 1943 to restore the original markings . This Plane has won many awards in including EAA Oshkosh the 2010 Best Stearman and the 2010 Snap-on Silver wrench along with the 2011 preservation award in addition to the 2011 Best Army Kaydet Stearman at the national Stearman fly-in in Galesburg IL
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Warbirds
PV-2 Harpoon
The Lockheed PV-2 Harpoon was introduced late in WWII as a follow up patrol bomber to the PV-1 Ventura, which was used extensively by both the US Navy and the British as a land based anti-submarine/shipping aircraft. The 545 Harpoons that were built in 1944 and 1945 had longer wings that resulted in both better controllability and increased fuel capacity for longer range patrols. The Harpoon during these long range patrols could carry up to 3,000 lbs of bombs or depth charges and normally had 5 forward (7 with the dorsal turret rotated forward) firing .50 caliber machine guns for strafing attacks against enemy shipping and ground targets.
Harpoons served with the US Navy in the Central Pacific and in particular out of the Aleutian Islands, where they were part of a campaign attacking the Kurile Islands in northern Japan that became known as the Empire Express. These missions were flown from Attu Island in some of the worst weather imaginable, most of the missions being flown above the cold ocean waters in sub frigid temperatures in foggy skies. However, the dangerous missions were well worth it as it caused the Japanese to allocate 15% of its valuable fighter force to the Kurile Islands to provide air defenses against these attacks, making it easier for US forces to advance more easily in the Central Pacific.
“Hot Stuff”, the PV-2 which is owned and operated by The American Military Heritage Foundation at the Mt. Comfort airport has always been a favorite of the crowd at the Indianapolis Air Show as both a flying and static display. Being one of only 2 flyable PV-2’s in the United States, “Hot Stuff” has been recognized by the State of Indiana Historic Preservation Review Board for its rarity and deemed worthy of a high level of preservation. As a result the Review Board moved to list it on both the National and State Historic Registers. Don’t miss exploring this historically recognized aircraft free of charge, and talk to WWII PV-1 and PV-2 veteran pilots and crew members that will be there with the Harpoon on static display. These crew members will be autographing pictures and posters for a donation to “Hot Stuff’ at the show.
Always a crowd pleaser at the Indianapolis Air Show!
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BT-13 Valiant
The "Valiant" was considered to be a basic trainer the US military in WWII and was the
most widely used aircraft flown for that purpose by the US Army Air Forces during that
conflict. A more complex and demanding aircraft than the student aviators flew in primary
training; the BT-13 had a more powerful Wright R-975 engine producing 450 hp, flaps,
variable pitch propeller, and a two-way radio. Built at a cost of $20,000, the BT-13 could
reach a maximum speed of 155 mph and cruise at 130 mph for 880 miles before refueling.
This magnificently polished aluminum aircraft is a 1942 BT-13A, photographed at The
Indianapolis Air Show in 2009 and is restored to museum quality, having been until late
2005 was on loan and displayed at the Birmingham, AL Air Museum. During WWII
she served her country well at the Pecos, TX Army Air Corp Base as a secondary/basic
trainer. Flight Instructor Greg Mahler owns BT # 903, and keeps it based at Indianapolis
Executive Airport in Zionsville, Indiana. A long time supporter-fundraiser and committee
member volunteer for the Indianapolis Air Show, Greg brings this great looking BT-13A
out to the show each year.
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PT-26 Cornell
The PT-26 is identical to the Fairchild PT-19 except that it has a canopy for use in cold training climates, such as Canada, where it was used extensively. During WWII most primary aviation training was done in the southern part of the US and therefore the primary trainers were open cockpit aircraft. In 1942 the both Fairchild in the US and Fleet Aircraft in Canada began production of 1,700 PT-26's which were used for training in cold climates of Canada by the Royal Canadian Air Force. Powered by a 200 hp Ranger L-440 engine, the Cornell cruises at 110 mph and can reach a maximum speed of 129mph.
The PT-26 pictured here is owned and operated by the Indiana Wing of the Commemorative Air Force located at Executive Airport in Boone County, IN.
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T-28 Trojan
Powered by a Wright R-1820 Cyclone nine cylinder engine producing 1,425 horsepower, the Trojan was designed as a follow-up trainer to the T-6 Texan. Intended to train and prepare fledging pilots in the post WWII Air Force for flying the new jet powered aircraft, the T-28 had a cockpit instrument layout similar to the new jets, and a tricycle landing gear. The US Navy also ordered the aircraft and it was used for many years to introduce new Naval Aviators to the nuances of landing and taking off from an aircraft carrier.
Armed with machine guns and bombs, the T-28 was deployed to Vietnam in the late 1950’s, where it was used by both the U.S. and the South Vietnamese Air Forces as a low level attack aircraft. It was also used by many nations during the 50’s and 60’s, and especially by the French in Algeria, who used it in support of the French Foreign Legion against rebel forces.
Once again Walt Gdowski from Carmel will have his North American T-28 on display. Walt has always been a strong supporter of the Air Show and the Children of Central Indiana by bringing his aircraft out and putting them on display.
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L-2 Grasshopper
The Taylorcraft L-2 “Grasshopper” was used during WWII as a forward observation aircraft to spot targets for US Army artillery units. Powered by a 65 hp four cylinder engine, the L-2 could operate with a crew of two, pilot and observer, from short, improvised grass airfields near the front lines. The L-2 pictured above is operated by the Indiana Wing of the Commemorative Air Force located at Indianapolis Executive Airport in Zionsville.
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PT-17 Kaydet
It is almost impossible to have an airshow without the venerable Boeing PT-17, more commonly known as a Stearman, biplane on the field. The aircraft was originally designed by Lloyd Stearman who then sold his company Boeing which built the “Kaydet” in Wichita, KS. Used extensively during the Second World War as a trainer for both the Army and Navy, this easy-to-fly aircraft was purchased by large numbers of civilians as surplus after the war. After being used for crop dusting and barnstorming at air shows, the rugged trainer still carries on as a good warbird to have on the ramp and in the air at an aviation display. The Stearman can still be found doing aerobatic and wing walking routines at shows throughout the country today.
Walt Gdowski of Carmel, IN is the proud owner this superb looking PT-17, which is painted to replicate the US Navy version, an N2S-5. Walt's Stearman and many others like it trained tens of thousands of young flight cadets how to fly during WWll.
An airshow without a Stearman is not an air show!! There are always several at the Indy Air Show!!
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Vendors and Other Ground Activites
Hot Air Balloons
Ultralights
Walk around and visit with local Ultra Light pilots and learn about this fascinating spectacle of flight. Weather permitting these planes will take to the air to amaze you.
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Car Show
Antique and Classic car show Saturday & Sunday. Featuring all types, makes and models of classic cars. Vote for the peoples choice award daily! More information can be found here .
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The Kid Zone
Kids of all ages and burn off some energy in the Kid Zone featuring pay per use inflatables, rock climbing walls and power jumps.Kid Zone- kids of all ages and burn off some energy in the Kid Zone featuring pay per use inflatables, rock climbing walls and power jumps.
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USS Indianapolis Survivors
Radio Controlled Planes
Giant scale Radio Controlled aircraft will take to the sky at 11am to kickoff the 16th annual Indianapolis Air Show. The demonstration will be done along the main taxiway with a flight-line at both ends of the field. Before and after the flying demonstration the planes will be on display at the Radio Control Aircraft tent at the east end of the field.
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Indiana Aviation Book Signing Tent
Join us at the Indiana Aviation Book Signing Tent for exclusive book signings by Hoosier authors and aviators daily from 10am-2pm. Books will be available for purchase.
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Military History Exhibit
Rob Reider – Air Show Announcer
Rob is “The Voice” of the Indianapolis Air Show! Rob Reider has been an important fixture at the Indianapolis Air Show since its beginning in 1996. This year marks Rob’s 31st year as an announcer and his 4th as a full-time air show announcer. His 2009 schedule will take him to 19 shows, making him one of the busiest and most sought-after announcers in North America. He’ll be working at shows from Rhode Island to California and he’ll be teamed up with Danny Clisham at EAA’s AirVenture air show in July.
Starting early in the morning, and working through the heat of the day until the gates have closed, Rob is always striving to keep the audience engaged and informed of all matters that pertain to the pilots in the air and the aircraft they are flying. It’s been said of Rob Reider, “He’s excited and supercharged! He’s a performer with the unique ability to meet an audience where they are, touch their hearts, make them laugh, make them cry, and leave them with a feeling that they have been totally entertained.” Learn more about Rob Reider on his web site.
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Vendors
Vendors- Multitudes of on field vendors & exhibits to peruse including novelty sales, concessions & mobile exhibits.
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Academy of Model Aeronautics
Join in the fun of aviation through models! View a “Full Scale” model, the Mock 1 – a full size rendition of the Guillows L-19 Bird Dog model airplane spanning 28 feet. Inside, try flying Radio Control models on the simulators! Be sure not to miss this fun exhibit located on the static ramp..
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Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
Don’t miss The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis display featuring the SciencePort® Wind Tunnel and a Honda Civic SI decked out for the museum’s newest exhibit, Hot Wheels For Real™. Proud sponsors of the AMA exhibit, The Children’s Museum will be located right next door on the static ramp during the Indianapolis Air Show.
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Raytheon MathMovesU
From skateboarding to making music to video gaming, math is a key part of the fun kids have every day. Ratheon’s MathMovesU program helps them make the connection. With a full range of unique tools and resources, MathMovesU inspires young adults to see math and science in a whole new light. Be sure to visit this one of a kind, hands on exhibit at the air show located by the Kid Zone- brought to you to enjoy FREE by Raytheon.
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CAF Red Tail Squadron Rise Above Exhibit
The CAF Red Tail Squadron has developed unique educational program called “RISE ABOVE“ that tells the story of the Tuskegee Airmen: it features a rare red-tailed P-51C Mustang fighter, and the RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit. The RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit is a fully functional theater housed in a 53’ semi trailer with expandable sides. Visitors sit in climate-controlled comfort and watch the original movie “RISE ABOVE” on a 160-degree panoramic screen that brings the movie to life. This attraction is provided free to you at the Indianapolis Air Show by Rolls-Royce, with additional support provided by Bowen Engineering, Mays Chemical, and WestReyna LLC. This fabulous display will be located on the Static Ramp at the air show.
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Be sure to come early and enjoy the multitude of exhibits and displays as well as an expanded food & drink selection, exhibits, and many static displays of airplanes you can see up close and personal.
Performers, Schedule & Events are subject to change .