DAYTON — Air show officials have announced the return of the U.S. Army Golden Knights and two new acts that will join the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds for the 2023 CenterPoint Energy Dayton Air Show Presented by Kroger. The Red Bull Helicopter and MiG-17F Jet Demo will be part of the 48th annual show on July 22-23 at the Dayton International Airport.
The Golden Knights, the Army’s official demonstration team, will thrill spectators with their intricate canopy work along with skydiving formations and landings that require extreme precision. Formed in 1959 and based in Ft. Bragg, North Carolina, these Ambassadors of the Army represent the skill and professionalism of U.S. soldiers serving all over the world. The 12-member team will travel to Dayton in their C-147A aircraft which will also serve as their jump aircraft. The Golden Knights last appeared in Dayton in 2022.
A 5,300 pound helicopter flying upside down? A piece of cake for the Red Bull Helicopter, a MBB BO-105C flown by Aaron Fitzgerald. The multipurpose light twin-engine German helicopter has flexible maneuverability and a fast-climbing performance that allows for rollovers and backflips to keep the audience on their toes. It’s the only helicopter fit for aerobatics to this day. The Red Bull Helicopter last appeared in Dayton in 2011.
The MiG-17F was the primary enemy aircraft during the Vietnam War. Up until the F-16 fighter jets entered service, it was the tightest-turning fighter in the world. The MiG-17F can maintain tight 8G turns and speeds up to 715 mph, climbing to 30,000 feet in only three minutes. It’s one of only a handful of vintage flying jets flying in North America. Pilot Randy Ball, one of North America’s premier jet demonstration pilots has performed in more than 1,500 performances. The MiG-17F last appeared in Dayton in 2013.
“We’re so pleased to continue to bring such phenomenal performers to our 2023 shows to give adults and children alike an unforgettable experience,” said Scott Buchanan, chairman of the United States Air & Trade Show Board of Trustees, producers of the show. “We’re looking forward to continue adding elite performers to our lineup.”
Air show officials plan to announce more attractions to the air and ground show over the coming months. Tickets are available for purchase online. Beginning mid-summer 2023, discount general admission tickets can be purchased at over 100 area Kroger stores in the Dayton/Cincinnati region.
For more information, visit the show’s website at www.daytonairshow.com.
For additional information on the 2023 performers, visit their websites:
• U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, airforce.com/thunderbirds
• U.S. Army Golden Knights, goarmy.com/events/golden-knights
• AFTERSHOCK Jet Fire Truck, shockwavejettruck.com
• Bill Stein Airshows, billsteinairshows.com/ ‘
• MiG-17F Randy Ball, fighterjets.com/team/randy-ball/
• Red Bull Helicopters, flyingbulls.at/en/fleet/bo105-c
