Coming soon: ShawFest 2008 Published Aug. 21, 2008 By Tech. Sgt. Kevin Williams 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- About two weeks remain until ShawFest 2008 "Thunder Over the Midlands." A wide variety of aircraft are scheduled to take to the sky in several aerial demonstrations, including the F-22 Raptor, C-17 Globemaster, P-51 Mustang and Shaw's own F-16 Fighting Falcon. Visitors will also see a wide variety of vintage and modern aircraft on the ground like the C-45, A-10 Thunderbolt, HC-130, MH-53, F/A-18 and the V-22 Osprey. "This is a unique opportunity to see, touch and feel the excitement that's not only in the air, but on the ground," said Lt. Col. Jay Wilkerson, ShawFest 2008 Director. "We look forward to meeting folks from across the region and strengthening our bond with the local community. ShawFest 2008 is our way of thanking the public for all the support they give us." Headlining ShawFest 2008 is the F-22 Raptor. The Raptor combines stealth, supercruise, maneuverability and integrated avionics, coupled with improved supportability, representing an exponential leap in warfighting capabilities. The Air Combat Command F-22 Demonstration Team performs precision aerial maneuvers to demonstrate the unique capabilities of the world's only operational fifth-generation fighter aircraft. Team members also exhibit the professional qualities the Air Force develops in the people who fly, maintain and support these aircraft. Another feature aerial act is the T-28 Warbird Aerobatic Formation Demonstration Team, "Trojan Horsemen." The team's repertoire includes both four and six-ship formation demonstrations and formation aerobatics by two solo pilots. The crowd-pleasing routine is a patriotic tribute to the U.S. Armed Forces with music and narration, and includes a very stirring Missing Man Formation. The T-28 is a commanding, fast and loud warbird with a 1,425 horsepower radial engine capable of high speeds and precision maneuverability. Shaw's very own Viper East Demonstration Team also performs during the air show. The F-16CJ is a single-seat, multi-mission fighter with the ability to switch from an air-to-ground to air-to-air role at the touch of a button. With its lightweight airframe and powerful engine generating 29,000 pounds of thrust, the F-16CJ can fly at speeds in excess of Mach 2. Another featured performer is the aerial acrobatics of Tim Weber. Tim has flown a variety of aircraft and experienced thousands of hours of aerobatic flying. His aggressive flying and natural ability have enabled him to become one of the top air show performers in the U.S. today. During ShawFest 2008, Tim will fly an Extra 300S; a German-built unlimited-class composite monoplane stressed to handle the most demanding maneuvers. Its 300+ horsepower motor and a roll rate of more than 420 degrees per second make this aircraft an instant air show hit. The show is Sept. 6 at 10 a.m. and the gates open at 7:30 a.m. Admission and parking are free. The general public should follow the signs on Highway 378. Personnel assigned to Shaw and their families can use the Polifka Gate. Food and beverages are available for a price. No coolers, pets, weapons or glass containers are allowed. For more information, please visit www.shaw.af.mil and follow the links for ShawFest 2008. (Aircraft and flying schedules are subject to change)