You can experience the attack on Pearl Harbor that launched the United States into World War Two at Southern Illinois's premier aviation event in September. The Commemorative Air Force's presentation of Tora-Tora-Tora is headlining at the Scott Air Force Base Annual Air Show 2009 September 19th and 20th.
Tora-Tora-Tora
The Tora-Tora-Tora presentation makes only 12-16 appearances a year with 8 or 10 participating aircraft. The Japanese aircraft fly in on their attack runs with ground pyrotechnics coordinated with bomb runs, launching smoke and flames into the sky, reminiscent of the reality of the deadly December 7, 1941 air raid.
The attack has been performed so many times by these flyers, public affairs officials will tell you, that during the dress rehearsals (minus explosives) on Friday, the Japanese and American aircraft will zoom in, weave, climb, dive, in their intricate aerial ballet without radio contact.
The Japanese aircraft have a cinematic history of their own, having appeared in the film Tora-Tora-Tora, as well as the more recent Pearl Harbor.
Other Highlights
But there is much more to the air show than even this single, impressive event.
Also highlighted are performances by the Air Combat Command F-15 Strike Eagle Demonstration Team, Air Combat Command F-16 Demonstration Team - Viper West, US Navy F/A-18 Tactical Demonstration Team, Canadian Snowbirds Jet Demonstration Team, and the US Army Golden Knights Parachute Demonstration Team.
Other performers include a Vietnam-era Soviet-built MiG-17F of the type which battled with American aircraft over North Vietnam. There is also schedule a C-17 demonstration and aeorbatics performances by Tim Weber and Greg Poe.
More Displays
Some of the aircraft that will be featured in performances will also be on display, but others will not.
The home to the Air Force's Air Mobility Command and US Transportation Command, the show will not surprisingly be featuring a variety of cargo-carrying aircraft, such as the C-9, C-21, C-40C, and KC-135.
Many of the aircraft, especially the cargo aircraft, will be on static display and available for walk-through touring. There will also be warbirds from the World War II era, displays by various agencies in an adjacent hangar, food and beverage vendors, and souvenir vendors. Also expected are representatives from a variety of other organizations such as a radio-controlled aircraft group, the St Louis Soaring Association, and a World War II reenacters encampment which will be added to the website once they confirm their participation.
When and Where
Flying hours are 11am to 4pm daily, while the air show itself runs from 9am to 5pm daily, Saturday and Sunday, September 19th and 20th. Admission is free, parking is free.
Sponsors recommend people park at MetroLink parking lots in St Louis or in the MetroEast and take the light rail transportation in to the Shiloh Entrance. Shiloh and Belleville gates open at 9am.
Next to the Shiloh entrance, by the way, is a new air park which has an assortment of cargo aircraft representative of what Scott operates on static display at all times.
Scott is located near Shiloh, nearly 20 miles east of St Louis' Gateway Arch off Interstate 64 (take exit 19).
Lawn chairs, sunscreen, water bottles, and ear plugs are recommended. Don't bring food. Other recommended items are published on the website located at http://www.scottairshow.com/.
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Comments: 8
Sounds interesting.
Too bad it is so far away, I would love to go. I haven't been to a good airshow in quite some time. Thanks.
Not so far from me. Sounds great.
Not too far from me, but I doubt I'll go. I've had my fill of the good old Air Force! Haha.
thanks for the info. Sounds like fun.
Interesting information.
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