Photo By Senior Airman Christian Clausen | The U.S. Air Force Thunderbird aerial demonstration team pass over an MQ-9 Reaper...... read more read more
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Pilots, sensor operators, maintenance and intelligence career fields answered questions about the aircraft and their jobs as part of a static display. The display helped guests attending the airshow better understand the MQ-1 and MQ-9 capabilities and mission.
"We brought out more than 30 Airmen from Creech to connect with the people," said Capt. Michael, 432nd Wing MQ-1 Predator pilot. "We had two maintenance teams, one to assemble the aircraft, and one to brief the technical aspects of the aircraft and operations representatives to brief the mission and flying aspects."
Although the open house was host to many exciting fighter, bomber and many other demonstrations during the celebration of '75 years of Airpower,' the MQ-1 and MQ-9 drew considerable crowds.
The airshow hosted more than 150,000 people on the Nellis AFB flightline, giving plenty of opportunity for people of all ages who were curious about the aircraft and mission.
For some spectators, this was the first time encountering an MQ-1 or MQ-9 up close and personal. "I didn't know what to expect," said Barbara, a Las Vegas local. "It was surprising how it all works. These aircraft are unbelievably amazing."
Luis Carrillo, a Las Vegas local, explained he was impressed by all the technology equipped on the aircraft while his daughter Alliah, seven, said these aircraft are important because if someone is in trouble we can find and help them.
"It's important to bridge the gaps between common misconceptions and what we really do for the American people," Michael said.
The Predator and Reaper are both medium-altitude long-endurance aircraft, capable of persistent attack and reconnaissance capabilities in the support of global contingency operations.
The biennial open house included demonstrations from other aircraft including F-18 Hornet, F-22 Raptor, F-35 Lightning II, F-86 Sabre, C-17 Globemaster, and the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds.
The airshow also featured static displays of aircraft such as A-10 Thunderbolt, C-5 Galaxy, B-1B Lancer, CH-47 Chinook, HH-60 Pave-Hawk, KC-10 Extender, P-51 Mustang, MV-22 Osprey and many more.
"Overall the response we had was positive," Michael said. "We definitely clarified and demonstrated both well-known and lesser-known aspects of the mission and instilled pride in the RPA community."
| Date Taken: | 11.13.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 11.17.2016 16:22 |
| Story ID: | 215022 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 520 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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