Farnborough International Air Show highlights servicemembers, aircraft

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jerry Fleshman
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
FARNBOROUGH, England (AFNS) --  One of the largest air shows in the world kicked off here July 19, and U.S. servicemembers are among 1,500 exhibitors from around the world showing off the latest in aviation technology.

Approximately 70 U.S. military and support members from bases across the world are participating in the Farnborough Air Show.

"We are delighted to be here," said Col. Robert Suminsby, the U.S. Air Forces Europe air boss for the air show. "The United Kingdom is a country that has a long tradition with incredible enthusiasm for aviation."

Various models of U.S. military aircraft are being shown as static displays and demonstrations, including the F/A-18F Super Hornet, F-16C Fighting Falcon, F-15E Strike Eagle, C-130J Super Hercules, C-17 Globemaster III, RQ-7 Shadow, UH-1Y Venom and the MH-60 Seahawk. Aerial demonstrations include the F-16, F-18, C-130J and a flyover by the B-52 Stratofortress.

One Airman expressed his excitement over another aircraft: the F-22 Raptor.

"The F-22 is the most advanced fighter out right now," said Senior Airman Paul Hayward, assigned to the 48th Maintenance Equipment Squadron at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England.

The F-22 Raptor, along with more than 165 aircraft, is on display during the air show.

"This is where the entire aviation world turns to see what the latest technologies are," said Colonel Suminsby. "We're proud of the technologies the United States is producing."

More than 285,000 trade and public visitors are expected to attend the bi-annual Farnborough Air Show.

This year, 38 different countries are represented at 29 international pavilions.

The air show will run July 19 through 25.