Planes of Fame Airshow 2015: USAF Heritage Flight I

Today marks the 70th anniversary of the World War Two Allied victory in Europe (Victory in Europe Day – May 8th. 1945). One week ago I saw a fine tribute of respect to the men and women who served in the USAF and USAAF before them, including those who eventually dominated the skies over Europe in World War Two.

No North American airshow that is a salute to the veterans would be complete without a USAF Heritage Flight display. Planes of Fame 2015 offered a beauty on the Friday preview day. 3 World War Two era North American P-51 Mustangs made up of a rare early model Allison V-1710 engined P-51A “Mrs. Virginia” along with the more familiar Rolls Royce Merlin engined P-51C “Boise Bee” and P-51D “Spam Can” took off to join up in formation alongside a USAF Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor air dominance fighter.

North American P-51A Mustang “Mrs. Virginia”

North American P-51A Mustang “Mrs. Virginia”

North American P-51C Mustang “Boise Bee”

North American P-51C Mustang “Boise Bee” nose art

North American P-51D Mustang “Spam Can”

North American P-51D Mustang “Spam Can” nose art

Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor

The USAF Heritage Flight made a number of formation passes along the crowd line and then came from behind the crowd for a big finale. The pilots completed a fantastic tribute to all those who served and continue to serve their nation.

A salute to the veterans

A classic fighter USAF Heritage Flight

Best of the best

P-51A, P-51C, P-51D and F-22

Great flying!

USAAF history at its best with the latest in USAF hardware

Incoming

The final pass

Break!

Following the flight, the formation passed over the crowd again but this time it included a North American B-25 Mitchell “Photo Fanny” that was being used as a camera ship to take photos of the heritage flight. Quite a significant part of aviation history took to the skies that day and I am glad I was there to see it happen.

Photo formation pass

North American B-25 Mitchell “Photo Fanny”

North American B-25 Mitchell “Photo Fanny” nose art