A Jet Flight Into the Future

Aviation aficionados will get a glimpse of the 21st century Saturday as the F-22 Raptor, the military’s fighter jet of the future, makes its public debut at the annual Edwards Air Force Base open house and air show.

Holding its array of weapons inside its fuselage to make radar detection more difficult, the Raptor is capable of flying at twice the speed of sound and can lock on a flying target at far greater distances than any other aircraft, Air Force officials said. It will replace the F-15 as the Air Force’s primary fighter jet early in the 21st century.

“If you want to see the Raptor you have to come Edwards,” said Air Force Maj. Tom Gilroy. “There are only two of these planes in the world and we are the place that has them.”

In recognition of the Air Force Flight Test Center at Edwards, where virtually every aircraft in the U.S. arsenal has been tested, the theme of this year’s show is “Air Supremacy Through the Jet Age.”

The Raptor, which is being built by Lockheed Martin in Marietta, Ga., and tested at Edwards, will continue that legacy of American supremacy in the skies, said Air Force spokesman John Haire.

“This is 21st century vintage,” Haire said. “It’s the newest fighter on the block. It represents a new concept in fighter jets.”

Flight crews assigned to the Raptor will be on hand to discuss the aircraft, Haire said.

Besides the F-22 Raptor, more than 90 aircraft representing nearly every type in the Air Force inventory, as well as vintage, one-of-a-kind and research planes, will be displayed Saturday, officials said. Edwards Air Force Base is north of Lancaster on the Antelope Valley Freeway.

Starting with a 10 a.m. breaking of the sound barrier, the day’s program will continue until 4:30 p.m. and feature an aerial demonstration of nearly a dozen aircraft, including a B-2 Stealth bomber, F-15s, F-16s and a F-117A Nighthawk Stealth fighter.

The display also will include stunt flying, skydiving and a low-level aerial refueling of a B-52 bomber, officials said.

Last year’s show--a two-day event celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Air Force and featuring test pilot Chuck Yeager on his final military flight--drew more than 800,000 spectators to the normally restricted High Desert base and test center.

Edwards officials said that fewer visitors are expected for this year’s one-day air show, but that they still anticipate as many as 200,000 visitors.

Gates open at 7 a.m. and visitors are urged to arrive early to avoid waiting in long lines to park on the base. Visitors are advised to bring lawn chairs or blankets since there is no seating. Admission and parking are free.

“It’s very popular. I think a lot of people just like aircraft whether they’re military or civilian,” Gilroy said.

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Edwards Air Show

When: Saturday beginning at 7 a.m.

Where: Edwards Air Force Base.

Cost: No charge for admission or parking.

More information: Call (805) 277-6082; or check Edwards’ Web site at www.edwards.af.mil

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SATURDAY’S EVENTS

7 a.m.: Gates open

10 a.m.: F-15 sonic boom

10:30 a.m.: Army Golden Knights parachute demonstration

11:10 a.m.: B-52 demonstration

11:20 a.m.: Glider demonstration

11:55 a.m.: B-2 flyby

Noon : B-1 demonstration

12:40 p.m.: F-16 demonstration

1:25 p.m.: Fighter/attack demonstration

1:46 p.m.: T-38 demonstration

2:37 p.m.: B-52 air refueling demonstration

2:40 p.m.: F-18 demonstration

3:20 p.m.: U-2 demonstration

3:30 p.m.: Formula One demonstration

4 p.m.: F-15 demonstration

4:15 p.m.: Heritage flight

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Many military and civilian aircraft will be on display