JetBlast Magazine Best of 2024
SpaceX Launches of 2024
By Jacob Herb
In 2024, I made 3 scheduled night launches of various payloads from SpaceX out at Cape Canaveral Space Force Base and Kennedy Space Center. Living in Florida from 2001 to 2014, I got to watch STS missions launch from Kennedy which always intrigued me in the realm of space exploration. So catching any type of launch, day or night, is always a must when I visit the Space Coast. Here are those 3 launches in long exposure form.
SpaceX Flacon 9 Block 5 “Starlink Group 6-49” Launched 12 April 2024
SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 “Astranis: From One to Many” Launched 28 December 2024
SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 “Starlink Group 12-6” Launched 30 December 2024
Red Flag 24-1: A Nellis AFB Adventure
By Brett Johnsen
I was fortunate enough to spend a full day this past January in Vegas with some friends for another edition of Red Flag, specifically 24-1. First thoughts overall brought a good mixture of aircraft from a total of 30 various squadrons across the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia. The UK participated with their Eurofighter Typhoon and their KC3 tanker, while the Aussies brought their F35A Lightning II aircraft, marking the first time they've included their Panthers in a Red Flag exercise.
On the U.S. side of things, a total of about 80 aircraft from all around America, including Avaino with the 555th Fighter Squadron, totaling 14 F-16 Viper aircraft. U.S.-based fighters included F22 Raptors from the 525th FS out of JB Elmendorf-Richardson, F35A’s from Hill AFB, F16s from Shaw AFB, F15 Strike Eagles from Seymour Johnson AFB, and F35B’s from Yuma. Among the Nellis red air squadrons were the 64th AGRS, 65th AGRS, 6th WPS, 422nd TES, 17th WPS, and the newest addition, the 706th Aggressors flying F16s.
For the interdiction role, four B-2 Spirit aircraft from Whiteman AFB and five B-52 Stratofortress participated in the bomber scenarios. Command & Control was handled by the 960th & 964th AACS. Reconnaissance was conducted by the 38th RS with the RC-135 Rivet Joint. Electronic Warfare was managed by VAQ-134 & 139 from NAS Whidbey Island, WA, and finally, Refueling was handled by the 92nd ARW out of Fairchild, 465th ARS out of Tinker, 91st ARS out of McDill, & the 10/101sq from RAF Brize Norton, UK.
There was definitely a change of pace with the aircraft, not only in terms of the number of participants but also in the day-to-day switch-off with the interdiction role of the B2 and B52. Night sorties seemed to be the backbone of this exercise during the two weeks 24-1 was in play. After that, Exercise Bamboo Eagle commenced following the end of Red Flag.
The Bamboo Eagle Exercise is a new multi-domain element exercise that includes maritime warfare and Agile Combat Employment, observed over radar in the Pacific off the coast of LA during the "third" week of the joint exercise. The main objective is to provide advanced training in various courses of events to strengthen conflict abilities and ultimately prevent these events if they do happen. According to various sources, expect to see this new exercise happening each of the third weeks of Red Flag once or twice per year.
It was certainly another amazing trip to Vegas. I'm excited to be back soon for 24-2; it's going to be interesting with the 🇩🇰🇳🇱 and the Panther party.
Royal Canadian Air Forces 100 Year Celebration at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh
By Jacob Herb
At the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh Fly-in and Expo this year, one of the main themes was celebrating the RCAF (Royal Canadian Air Force) 100th anniversary. Both the Canadian Snowbirds plus the CF-18 Hornet demonstration teams were in attendance on the military side plus the Canadian Skyhawk parachute team plus a CC-138 Twin Otter as their jump platform. Several warbird examples were also in attendance which including the Vintage Wings of Canada with their P-51 Mustang, Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IX and Hawker Hurricane Mk XII. The Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum brought their Avro Lancaster Mk. X. There were a few other private warbirds in RCAF markings there.
It was an honor seeing the RCAF get such a welcoming presence during the week long celebration. My favorite was finally catching the Lancaster after many years. A sad moment was learning that the CF-18 team was disbanding after the season due to operational priorities of aircraft and aircrew. This was my one and only time witnessing this team which had the 100 year anniversary livery and the 2021 “Strong at Home” livery as the backup jet! Lastly, seeing the Snowbirds for the first time since they were at AirVenture back in 2016 so it was a pleasure to see them again after an eight year absence. They were scheduled to fly the show back in 2020 but with unfortunate world events prevented that from happening.
I always look forward to seeing our allies from Canada at any show they fly at in the USA!!
MCAS Yuma in Review
By Brett Johnsen
The 2024 MCAS Yuma Airshow took place on March 9th as one of the inaugural airshows of the 2024 season, showcasing the might of Marine aviation both in the skies and on the ground. This event featured the Marine Air-Ground Task Force demonstration (MAGTF), highlighting their helicopters, including the AH-1Z Viper and the UH-1Y Huey, alongside two types of fighter jets, the F-35B and two F/A-18C Legacy Hornets, as well as air refueling efforts by the KC-130J Hercules. On the ground, both VMX-1 and Pyro by the Tora Tora Tora team were showcased. As if that weren't enough, VMFT-401, the Marine aggressor squadron, executed a tightly organized four-ship demonstration with their F-5N Tiger II aircraft. The F-35B West Coast Demo Team, led by Major Craig "Brembo" Norris, delivering an exhilarating performance, and the F22 Demo Team, led by Captain Samuel “RaZZ'' Larson, participating in a full performance with FLARES! as well as a heritage flight with the P-38 Lightning.
The sun was shining, and it was a breezy 80 degrees. This was my first time in Yuma as well as at a Marine base airshow, so I was pretty excited. Before the show started, I got to check out some of the many static displays. Some of the highlights on the military side included a C-17, F/A-18D, F-5, KC-130J, MQ-9, various VMX-1 aircraft including AH-1Z, MV-22B, F-35B, & UH-1Y. By far the coolest display was a staggering lineup of F-35Bs from VMX-1, VMFA-122, VMFA-211, & VFMA-214. Civilian statics included the P-51, Mi-24 Hind, C-47, B-15, & Mig 15.
The show started off with the National Anthem, the Military Freefall School Skydiving Demo, posting of the colors, and the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing band performance immediately followed by the Oath of enlistment for a number of local Yuma high school students.
The first act in the air was the MAGTF Demo. The F-35B Lightning II was first up providing electronic warfare support. The F-18 Legacy Hornets came up next to take control of the skies above with offensive air support as well as assault support. Once the skies were clear of any threats, the AH-1 Viper took control of the ground with its wide array of offensive air support systems to defend the UH-1 Huey dropping troops off for attacks on the ground. Before the demo was complete, the KC-130J performed a simulated refueling pass with both a Lightning II & Legacy Hornet, while another stayed off to the side.
Next up, The F22 Raptor and the heritage flight with the P-38 Lightning. This was my first time personally seeing the heritage flight with the P-38, and it didn't disappoint at all. From my understanding, the P38 Lightning performs about 1% of the yearly airshows, so it was definitely a rare opportunity. Before that, Master Sergeant John Lugo of the Raptor Demo team introduced the 2024 Team and got things started. “Strength & Honor” cleared for takeoff. This season, the demo introduced flares full time into as many shows as possible which didn't stop MCAS Yuma! This season, Capt. Larson also modified the demo slightly, which added a new power loop maneuver to showcase just how cool the flares can be. Flares are a great new addition that is sure to catch on for fans this airshow season. The heritage flight with the P-38 Lightning was flown by Steve Hinton Jr. For me, it brought a new sense of just how much American Airpower has evolved over these last 85 years since the first P38 rolled out. Anyways, The heritage flight brought some nice opportunities to see both the raptor and lightning up close.
Following the Raptor, VMFT-401 F-5 Tigers took to the skies. They performed a total of 3 passes showcasing their beautiful paint jobs. Upon landing, #4 blew his parachute and showed the crowd a no-speed brake landing. That was a first for me.
Last but not least, The F-35B Lightning II West Coast Demo Team, led by Major. Craig “Brembo” Norris. This was also another first for me seeing the B model demonstration. He showcased the power of the single Pratt & Whitney F135 engine, the most interesting part. The display of the engine on both the takeoff roll & STOVL landing was a crowd hit. It truly is incredible what the P&W F135 engine can do.
Overall, The show was absolutely incredible. This airshow gives you the variety from Marine, Air Force, & Vintage aircraft. The airshow will return March 15th, 2025. I hope you can be able to check this airshow out next year!
The Rebirth of a Legend: The F-15QA Advanced Eagle
By Jacob Herb
During the 2024 Spirit of St. Louis Airshow in Chesterfield, Missouri, Boeing demonstrated the latest in technology with a demonstration of the F-15QA Advanced Eagle destined for the Qatari Emiri Air Force. With an upgraded suite of avionics, this Eagle is as lethal as it has ever been. The Advanced Eagle also comes with improved F110-GE-129 afterburner turbofan engines with increased fuel capacity. The feature that always stands out is the payload loadout which allows 12 hardpoints. This allows for twelve air-to-air missiles for full air superiority or escorting friendly aircraft or in a more ground attack role, it can carry up to sixteen GBU-39 SDB, 1 JDAM and two drop tanks plus some immediate protection if needed.
The Boeing team demonstrated this aircraft both in a clean configuration and a loaded configuration with twelve inert AMRAAM missiles. During the aerial portion, the test pilots put the aircraft through its paces with one of the best displays I’ve ever seen. Seeing an advanced fourth generation platform pull off maneuverers that only fifth generation aircraft like the F-22 Raptor can do was ridiculous.
Current plans call for the F-15EX Eagle II (the US Air Forces version) to replace the aging F-15C fleet at the National Guard level. Units in Oregon, Florida, Louisiana, and California were announced in 2020 and 2023 as the first stations to receive the EX model. Training for the EX model will take place at Seymour Johnson AFB and integrate with the already existing F-15E Strike Eagle training program.
As someone who loved watching the F-15 East Coast Demonstration Team before the final year in 2005 making way for the F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team, the whole the team and aircraft left was large. This newer version of the Eagle could make a much needed return to the Air Combat Command team roster, especially since the A-10 Thunderbolt II team is standing down at the end of the 2024 season. Only time will tell but if Boeing itself would be able to demonstrate the QA or EX at one or two shows a year, that would be better than nothing.
TBM Reunion 2024
By Brett Johnsen
The 2024 TBM Avenger Reunion & Salute to Veterans took place from May 17th to 18th in Peru, Illinois. This annual event celebrated the iconic TBM Avenger aircraft, renowned for its service during World War II. A total of nine TBM Avengers participated, alongside a variety of other historic warbirds. Among the other notable aircraft were the EAA’s B-25 Mitchell, the Titan Aerobatic Team, a DC-3, a T-33 Shooting Star, an F4U Corsair, an AD-4N Skyraider, and several T-6 Texans. These diverse aircraft showcased the rich legacy of military aviation and offered a spectacular visual and auditory experience for the attendees. For many, the highlight of the event was the TBM Avenger run-up. This powerful demonstration of the Wright R-2600 Twin Cyclone engine's capabilities, complete with its characteristic backfire, is a perennial favorite. However, this year's event featured something truly unique and exclusive to the TBM Avenger Reunion in Peru: a special flyover involving a DC-3, a TBM Avenger, and a Skyraider. This trio of historic aircraft performing in unison is a sight you’ll only witness at this event, making it a standout attraction. On Saturday, the event honored veterans with a heartfelt Salute to Veterans ceremony. Past and present service members were celebrated as they paraded through a corridor of supporters waving flags. This moving tribute is always a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those in uniform and is a cherished moment for both participants and spectators.
As for future gatherings, the next TBM Avenger Reunion in Peru is not yet officially scheduled, but it is rumored to take place in mid-May 2025.
Clips From the Airshow Circuit
Here we have three P-51 Mustangs rolling back into the warbird area after a morning dawn patrol during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh.
P-51D-25NA BuNo 44-73142 No Marking. No military service.
P-51D-30NA BuNo 44-74230 “Gentleman Jim” ARK and IL ANG service until late 1950’s. Former Reno Air Racer “No Name Dame”
P-51D-25NT BuNo 44-84933 “The Rebel” WVA ANG service until 1957.
Here we have the full lineup of TBM Avenger Torpedo Bombers doing flight checks, engine run ups and unfolding the wings in preparation for an aerial tribute to veterans at the 2024 TBM Reunion in Peru, Illinois.
By Jacob Herb
Here we have a C-130H SN 93-1456 from the Connecticut Air National Guard. She is a part of the 118th Airlift Squadron, 103d Airlift Wing, Bradley ANGB, Windsor Locks, CT. She is dressed in the Flying Yankees 100 year anniversary livery arriving for static display at the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh Fly-in and Expo.
Here we have “FIFI” a Boeing B-29A-60-BN Superfortress BuNo 44-62070. She never served in combat and was used as an transport aircraft until 1953. She retired to the desert in 1958 and became a target on the China Lake Naval Air Weapons bomb range. She was acquired by the CAF in 1971 and has flown in airshows and movies since! Her she is arriving for static display at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh.
Here we have the A-10 Demonstration giving the crowd one final pyro pass at the Stuart Airshow in Stuart, Florida. This was the last demonstration from the team as they were to stand down shortly after returning home to Davis-Monthan AFB, Tucson, Arizona. It was a spectacular run for the team and always remember: ATTACK!
Here we have an FG-1D Corsair BuNo 92050 USN. She did not serve in combat but did serve with several units stateside until 1954 where she was struck from service. Underwent several modifications and entered the air race scene both in Miami and the national level at Reno. Went into a nine year restoration period beginning in 2012 bringing her back to military configuration. Post restoration flight occurred in 2021 and has been attending airshows since.
Quad Cities Airshow 2024
By Brett Johnsen
The 2024 Quad Cities Air Show was held in Davenport, Iowa, on June 22nd and 23rd. The event featured an impressive lineup, including the F-22 Raptor Demo Team led by Davenport native Commander Captain Samuel “RaZZ” Larson. Other headliners included the EA-18G Growler Demo Team, Randy Ball flying his MiG-17 Fresco, Nathan Hammond in Ghostwriter, the KC Flight Formation Team, Bob Carlton in his Twin Fox jet glider, and “Mr. Mulligan.”
The show also showcased historic warbirds like the FM-2 Wildcat from the American Airpower Museum and the P-47 Thunderbolt “Chief Ski-U-Man II” from Fagen Fighters flown by Steve-O Hinton.
For many, the highlight was Captain “RaZZ” Larson’s final hometown performance in the F-22 Raptor. This poignant moment resonated deeply with family, friends, and locals who had watched RaZZ evolve from a young photographer into the commander of the Raptor Demo Team. Other notable performances included the EA-18G Growlers' classic two-ship demo, enhanced by a rare heritage flight featuring the FM-2 Wildcat. The duo B-25 Mitchell flight, with “Miss Mitchell” and “ccc,” and a tandem MD-500 helicopter display also thrilled the audience.
Overall, the 2024 Quad Cities Air Show was a spectacular event, filled with excitement and memorable performances. The show is set to return on August 24th-25th, 2025, and anticipation is already building for another incredible experience.
Hope to see you there!
Warbirds in Black and White
By Jacob Herb
A new favorite editing tool of mine that started with this EAA AirVenture Oshkosh was creating a black and white album of warbirds. Warbirds fit this build perfectly for me to do this because it fits the old school style of photography and film back in the day as color film and photographs were rare and used in special occasions. I will keep this writing short and display the album I came to. I look forward to expanding on the black and white albums in the future!
