In America they say, if it’s got a jet engine, it’s good enough for an air show, even if it doesn’t leave the ground. The Air Force Reserves showed there “Smoke-N-Thunder” jet car. It is powered by a J-34-48 engine, as used in the T-2A Buckeye. It serves a staggering 10.000 horse power.

Airshow

Air show photo opportunities are excellent on Nellis. The mountains provide a dramatic backdrop on many photo’s, especially during take-off. A narrow strip near taxiway B is the best spot to take pictures as you can capture start-up, taxi, take-off and landing shots from one position and off course the show as well.

The air show offered a great variety in planes covering the USAF history from Korea till now. Especially the heritage formations make it a unique show to watch.

59-1502, KC-135

146254/2S-371, T-28

140492/JA-746, T-28

92-1532, C-130

44-30801, B-25

44-30801, B-25

44-30748, TB-25

B-25

B-25

126935/HB-14, AD-4

62-2084/321, UH-1

62-2084/321, UH-1

132683, A-1

126935/HB-14, AD-4

92-1532, C-130

163731/NJ-306, F/A-18

163731/NJ-306, F/A-18

122674/S-201, F8F-2

122674/S-201, F8F-2

163731/NJ-306, F/A-18

25012/FU-012, F-86

44-13334/G4-U, P-51

163731/NJ-306, F/A-18

NL-85104/79, P-40

511582/VF-B, P-51

NL-85104/79, P-40

44-13334/G4-U, P-51

65-0964, HC-130

78-0515/WA, F-15

90-0728/WA, F-16

79-0012/WA, F-15

79-0169/OT, A-10

87-26008/FT, HH-60

65-0964/FT, HC-130

78-0515/WA, F-15

78-0515/WA, F-15

132683, A-1

132683, A-1

The Douglas A-1E Skyraider as shown in the last two photo’s first flew in 1945, but was still heavily used in Vietnam an extremely effective weapons delivery platform. Its relatively slow speed made it able to deliver ordnance very accurately, and its piston engine provided much better fuel economy than jets. This “Spad” is a side-by-side two seat version. The blue Marine Corps single seater is a version specially build for night mission, designated the AD-4N.

QF-4E Phantom II

The only squadron left in the USAF flying the F-4 Phantom is the 82nd Tactical Aerial Target Squadron. The F-4 now designated as QF-4 is used in the Full Scale Aerial Target (FSAT) role next to the MQM-107 Streaker and BQM-34 Firebee as Sub-Scale Aerial Targets (SSAT).

This aircraft 74-1626 (cn 4856) was originally retired on 24 May 1990 to AMARC as FP0512

Read on in part 3 covering the F-22 Raptor and the Thunderbirds home coming.