Flying Colors

Every year, aircraft enthusiasts from across Southern California have only a handful of opportunities to see the U.S. military’s fastest--and most famous--planes in flight, much less up close on the ground.

So those whose adrenaline is pumped by the rarefied world of top-gun fighter jocks, batwing bombers and G-forces are expected to turn out in droves today for Edwards Air Force Base’s annual open house and flight demonstration.

As in past years, the event is expected to draw as many as 200,000 spectators to the normally restricted high desert base and flight-test center.

Visitors will be treated to a glider demonstration, the precision flying of Canada’s Northern Lights aerobatic team and the Wings of Blue precision jump team from the Air Force Academy in Colorado. The show will also feature flyovers by the B-2 stealth bomber and the F-117 stealth fighter-bomber.

Historic military planes will also be on display, with various civilian and experimental aircraft.

The star of the show for many will be the elusive SR-71 Blackbird, making its only public appearance of the year at today’s show.

The Blackbird, which was a military secret for many years, holds the world record for speed (over 2,000 mph) and altitude (in excess of 80,000 feet). The plane once made the flight from Los Angeles to Washington in a stunning 68 minutes and 17 seconds.

Coolers and picnic lunches may be brought along, but no alcohol or glass containers are allowed.

Edwards is about 50 miles north of the San Fernando Valley, off the Antelope Valley Freeway past Palmdale and Lancaster. Gates to the base open at 7:30 a.m. Opening ceremonies begin at 10 a.m.