The First State Airshow is set to take place on May 18-19, 2024, at Dover Air Force Base in Dover, Delaware. This event is free and open to the public, with gates opening at 9 AM and performances starting at 11:30 AM each day.
Headlining the show are the F-35 Lightning II Demonstration Team and the U.S. Army Golden Knights. Performers will include Rob Holland Aerosport, U.S. Air Force Heritage Flight featuring both a P-51 and an F-35, the B-25J Mitchell “Panchito”, and Randy Ball’s MiG-17 jet aerobatics. The event also showcases exotic performances such as Precision Exotics Cars, Patrick McAlee’s Extreme Pitts Aerobatics, and the Smoke-n-Thunder Jet Truck. There will also be a 2-ship F-15C capabilities showcase, along with demos by KC-135 Stratotanker, C-17 Globemaster III, and C-5M Super Galaxy.
Static displays will include a variety of aircraft such as transport and cargo aircraft, the C-5M Super Galaxy, C-17 Globemaster III, and C-130 Hercules, Iconic bombers including a B-29 Superfortress, “Doc,” along with the B-52 Stratofortress are scheduled to be at the show.
The fleet also includes a variety of fighter jets such as the F-15 Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, and the stealthy F-22 Raptor. Training aircraft include the T-38 Talon, T-6 Texan II, DHC-1 Chipmunk, DHC-82 Tiger Moth, T-28 Trojan, and the original T-6 Texan. Surveillance and utility roles are filled by the P-8 Poseidon, OA-1 Bird Dog, L-17 Navion, and U-28A Draco.
Helicopters like the UH-1 Iroquois and UH-60L Black Hawk serve in versatile utility and tactical roles.
Additionally, the list includes the US Army M1A1 Abrams Tank and the historical C-54D “Spirit of Freedom,” highlighting the breadth of operational and historical machinery.
C-5M Super Galaxy, C-17 Globemaster III, C-130 Hercules, and the historic B-29 Superfortress “Doc”, among others. Modern military aircraft like the F-22 Raptor, F-16 Fighting Falcon, and UH-60L Black Hawk will also be on display, along with a US Army M1A1 Abrams tank.
This weekend at Dover Air Force Base promises to be an exciting showcase of both aerial and ground-based military capabilities, offering a memorable experience for aviation enthusiasts, families, and community members.
To learn more about the show and prohibited items visit the show’s website HERE.