On The Ground
2012 Performers

 

 

The Fifth Annual Ballon-a-thon retutns to the Indianapolis Air Show. For more information download the Ballon-a-thon flyer (PDF),

Also download coupons for Hot Air Balloon rides with the proceeds going to Riley Foundation for Children.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

The Mustang was considered by many to be the finest fighter that that the U.S. produced and flew in WWII.  Powered by a Rolls-Royce Merlin engine, it had the ability to escort B-17 and B-24 heavy bombers all the way to their German targets, which greatly reduced the losses the bombers were suffering from German fighter defenses.  Many high German military officers realized the war was lost when they first saw P-51s in the skies over Berlin.  Although it excelled as a long range escort, which it also did for the B-29s on their trips to Japan, the P-51 also turned out to be an excellent ground attack aircraft, destroying many enemy aircraft on the ground.   During the Korean War, Mustangs were used extensively in the fighter bomber role and also served with the Indiana Air National Guard in the 1950’s.

This P-51D, owned by The Tom Wood Automotive Group, has been part of the show for all 15 years the Indianapolis Air Show has been doing the event at the Mt. Comfort Airport.  This year The Tom Wood Automotive Group is sponsoring this long time favorite of the Indianapolis Air Show.

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.

 

Meet and greet the survivors from the USS Indianapolis.

 

 

 

Two huge steel beams from New York City’s World Trade Center, a target of the deadly and historic terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

 

 

 

 

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.

 

The U.S. Air Force is more than pilots. In fact, only 4% of all Airmen have their wings. The vast majority work in mechanical, technical, engineering and electronic careers. The OCC Chopper experience was developed to show how a passion for bikes and mechanics can develop into a career in the US Air Force.

A team from the famed Orange County Chopper (OCC) motorcycle customizers worked with several Airmen to create an eye-catching, awe-inspiring, one-of-a-kind motorcycle that demonstrates what a solid foundation in mechanics can help someone accomplish.

 

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!

 

 

Giant scale Radio Controlled aircraft will take to the sky at 11am to kickoff the 15th 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.

 

 

 

 

The Indianapolis Air Show is pleased to welcome back NASA Glenn's traveling exhibit, JOURNEY TO TOMORROW. This 53-foot trailer has been transformed into an interactive environment packed with hands-on activities and digital learning stations

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

Visit the Military History Exhibit to see yesteryear's soldiers today.

 

To register to be a part of the exhibit, please visit http://m20cwindyairshow.eventbrite.com.

 

For more information, please contact
Chris Schneider at panzerlehrpzd@yahoo.com.

 

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.

The AN/TSW-7A is a tactical ATC tower. This tower provides ground-to-aircraft, aircraft-to-ground, and surface communications within a designated tactical landing area or airfield. It assists in air traffic regulation; aircraft separation; in-flight assistance; and landing, takeoff, and ground control. Major components include Have Quick radio sets, SINCGARS radios, and one HF radio. Nine air traffic controllers are assigned to operate the AN/TSW-7A for a 24-hour period. The shelter of the AN/TSW-7A is sling-loadable by a CH-47; or can be transported by a C-17 or aircraft with similar load limits. Maintenance teams require 60 minutes during each 24-hour period. The AN/TSW-7A has limited metrological capabilities of measuring wind speed and direction, altimeter, current temperature, high and low daily temperature, and density altitude information.

The Air Traffic Services company (F Co 3/238th) located at Camp Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training Center is searching for motivated people who want to join the exciting ranks of Air Traffic Control. The unit has immediate openings for Air Traffic Control Specialists. No experience necessary.

 

 

 

 

We were pleased to welcome Binky The Clown who performed a Free Magic Shows, courtesy of Gas America, in our Kids Zone on Saturday and Sunday, May 14th & 15th, from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vendors- Multitudes of on field vendors & exhibits to peruse including novelty sales, concessions & mobile exhibits.

 

 

 

 

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 Greenwood, 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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

 

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.

 

 

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!!

Air ambulance charity Grace on Wings the nation’s only 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. In 2008 Grace on Wings as provided over 700,000.00 in charitable assistance and flown over 100,000 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 airplane 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.

The TH-57 aircraft is the military version of the commercial Model 206 Jet Ranger helicopter manufactured by Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. The JetRanger was initially designed to compete in a U.S. Army light observation helicopter competition. Bell lost that competition but the 206 was commercially successful. Although primarily used for training, these aircraft are also used for photo, chase, and utility missions. The aircraft is powered by one Allison Gas Turbine 250-C20J turboshaft engine downrated to 317 shaft horsepower.

Helicopter Training Squadrons EIGHT (HT-8), EIGHTEEN (HT-18), and TWENTY EIGHT (HT-28) primary mission is to transition student aviators through basic and advanced rotary wing pilot training. Basic training introduces and develops student skills in helicopter flight maneuvers as well as training in visual navigation and tactics. Advanced training completes an intensive curriculum of basic and radio instruments, advanced tactics, and shipboard landings. The completion of this exacting training syllabus culminates in a highly trained and proficient all weather aviator.

The three squadrons are based out of NAS Whiting Field, Milton, FL and provide advanced helicopter flight instruction to all Navy, US Marine Corps, and US Coast Guard helicopter flight students as well as international students from several allied nations. Students who successfully complete the program earn the right to wear the coveted “Wings of Gold.”

Thank you to NAS Whiting Field for the TH-57s on static display.

Sector Corpus Christi performs all Coast Guard missions, except ice-braking. Personnel annually conduct about 450 search and rescue cases, assist 591 people in distress, save 83 lives and $3 million in property, seize over 5,500 lbs of drugs and 22 small craft conducting smuggling and illegal fishing, interdict and detain over 130 illegal immigrants, maintain 1,300 aids to navigation, manage the safe arrival of 3,200 commercial vessels, conduct 900 facility visits, investigate 230 marine related incidents, perform 490 vessel inspections, and provide support for 47 Coast Guard cutters and small boats.

The HU-25 Falcon is the Coast Guard’s medium range surveillance aircraft. Maximum speeds exceeding 400 knots, but normal search patrol speed varies between 180 and 250 knots and a range of 1,700 nautical miles. The crew consists of two pilots, an avionicsman, dropmaster, and an observer.  The Falcon has a drop hatch through which dewatering pumps, rafts, DMBs, smoke markers, message blocks, and other items can be delivered.

 

 

Basic mission of the UC-12 aircraft is to provide transportation of passengers and/or light cargo. The UC-12 is manufactured by Beech Aircraft Corporation is a all metal, low wing, twin-turboprop, T-tail monoplane with an axial flow engine mounted on each wong.

NAS Oceania Air Detachment Norfolk fulfills a seven day a week flight schedule in support of all military support and training unit.

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

The RC-12D Improved Guardrail V aircraft is based on the King Air Model A200CT. This US Army special electronic mission version carries the AN/USD-9 Improved Guardrail remote-controlled communications intercept and direction-finding system. Other equipment includes aircraft survivability equipment (ASE) systems, Carousel IV-E INS and Tacan system, radio datalink, the AN/ARW-83(V)5 airborne relay with antennas above and below wings, wingtip elint/comint pods.

The Guardrail Common Sensor [GR/CS] is a Corps Level Airborne Signal Intelligence (SIGINT) collection/location system that integrates the Improved GUARDRAIL V (IGR V), Communication High Accuracy Airborne Location System (CHAALS), and the Advanced QUICKLOOK (AQL) into the same SIGINT platform -- the RC-12K/N/P/X aircraft. Key features include integrated COMINT and ELINT reporting, enhanced signal classification and recognition, fast Direction Finding (DF), precision emitter location, and an advanced integrated aircraft cockpit.

The MH-53E "Sea Dragon" is the Western world's largest helicopter. The MH-53E is used primarily for Airborne Mine Countermeasures (AMCM), with a secondary mission of shipboard delivery. Airborne Mine Countermeasures (AMCM) missions include mine sweeping, mine hunting and mine neutralization. Additional mission capabilities include humanitarian assistance, air-to-air refueling, hover in-flight refueling, search and rescue, and external cargo transport operations, in both land and seaborne environments. The MH-53E Helicopter also has the ability to perform Vertical Onboard Delivery (VOD) missions as well as transportation of personnel and cargo.

Developed by Sikorsky, the MH-53E is a reconfigured version of the CH-53E presently being used by the US Marine Corps. The prototype, MH-53E, made its first flight on 23 December 1981. It underwent evaluation and testing at the Naval Coastal Systems Center in Panama City, Fla. The MH-53E was derived from the CH-53E Super Stallion and is heavier and has a greater fuel capacity than its ancestor. The MH-53Es can operate from carriers and other warships. The Sea Dragon is capable of carrying up to 55 troops or a 16-ton payload 50 nautical miles or a 10-ton payload 500 nautical miles. The MH-53E is capable of towing a variety of mine-sweeping countermeasures systems, including the MK 105 minesweeping sled, the ASQ-24 side-scan sonar, and the Mk 103 mechanical minesweeping system.

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.

The mission of 402 “City of Winnipeg” Squadron is to fly and maintain the Canadian-designed and -produced de Havilland Canada CT-142 Dash-8 navigation trainer in support of the Canadian Forces Air Navigation School.

402 Squadron’s tasks include the conduct of both Air Navigator and Airborne Electronic Sensor Operator training flights, the maintenance and management of the Squadron’s four CT-142 Dash-8 aircraft and the operational training of Dash-8 aircrew and aircraft technicians. 402 Squadron also provides maintenance support to the Central Flying School and transient aircraft servicing for visiting and transiting military aircraft.

402 Squadron is a “Total Force” Squadron, comprising a mixture of both Regular Force and Air Reserve personnel.