Miramar 2003

One of the largest air shows in the Southwestern USA is traditionally held at the Marine Corps Air Station, Miramar, CA.

The spectrum of American military aviation was presented by a well-organized static display: WWII military cargo and fighter planes, Marine Corps choppers from the fifties, several jets from the Vietnam era and almost everything from today's US military aviation inventory. Several F/A-18s, with various weapon configurations and in special colors, along with Navy and Marine Corps support aircraft and gunships represented the local and the nearby North Island based units. The Air Force lineup was no less spectacular: F-117, B-52, B-1B and planes of the Airlift Command such as the C-5 Galaxy and the KC-10 Extender. There were some unique aircraft on show: F-5s painted in aggressor color scheme, the Air Force F-4F, and two types waiting for retirement from service: the T-2 Buckeye and the T-39. The imported civilian owned trainers were noteworthy. The Delfin or the Albatros are frequent air show participants across the pond but the Chinese built CJ-6 piston engine trainer is still a rather rare visitor. The lone MiG-21U on static display, a former Hungarian Air Force example - 4418, was especially interesting for us. The fuselage wore the original Hungarian scheme and text marks.

Civilian prop planes opened the flight display. A Piper Cub landed on the top of a cruising van. Later on a jet engine equipped dragster appeared on the runway. A WWII era Corsair and Mustang demo followed; a retired general who was a former member of the astronaut corps flew the latter. An F-117 started the more serious jet displays. The unique design of the stealth fighter is always remembered rather than its flight performance. On the other hand the AV-8B+ Harrier II's demo was short but remarkable. Although the previously promoted B-2 program was cancelled, we were not left without a bomber solo. A B-1B filled the gap left by the stealth bomber.

The tactical demonstration of the Marines was the highlight of the day. First two KC-130s passed by, one refueling two CH-53 helicopters and the other refueling an AV-8B+ and an F/A-18C. This was followed by a single UH-1 bringing in the reconnaissance unit. When they finished their mission a CH-46 picked them up. A combat force was brought in by four SeaKnights, while two Harrier IIs and three Hornets provided active aerial support using pyrotechnical show elements. Two CH-53s airlifted in artillery equipment and AH-1W Cobras supported them. Finally the land forces arrived. An M1 Abrams and an armored reconnaissance vehicle eased the pressure on the expeditionary forces. The Blue Angels closed the daylight portion of the show. The stunning rocket assisted take off and several passes of their brand new Hercules opened the display. Following Fat Albert's flight the Navy Hornets executed their high precision six ship demonstration, amazing the crowd once again.

The evening portion of the air show started half an hour before sunset. A Harrier II and the four ship Stearman demo was followed by the jet engine equipped dragster. Its afterburner shone across the runway. A B-1B followed which executed its spectacular full afterburner assisted take off in complete darkness. The Hercules of the Blue Angels repeated its rocket assisted take off and an S-3 Viking executed its passes dispensing flares. A private MiG-17F heavy on pyrotechnical load and a C-130 of the Marines dispensing flares while flying towards the crowd closed the flight display. The show ended with traditional fireworks, including a firewall several hundred meters long.