The Flight Line

Aircraft Showcase

A Southern first: the German Me-262 — Hitler's wonder weapon and the first jet fighter ever to see combat — makes its first appearance anywhere in the South. Our main attraction, and not to be missed.

Aircraft 01

First Appearance in the South · Hitler's Wonder Weapon · Main Attraction

Messerschmitt Me-262

Main attraction of this year's show — and a historic first. Confirmed by the Military Aviation Museum in Virginia Beach, this will be the first time the Me-262 has ever appeared anywhere in the South. The Me-262 was the first military jet ever to see combat. Introduced in 1944, it was one of Hitler's wonder weapons — a jet he hoped would win the war — and a dramatic leap ahead in speed and technology.

First Flight: 1941
Engine: 2× Junkers Jumo 004
Top Speed: 540 mph
Role: Jet Fighter

Did You Know

A once-in-a-lifetime chance: the Me-262's first appearance anywhere in the South. See Hitler's wonder weapon up close. Hangar films cover the Me-262, and nearby displays include authentic German WWII items and pilot uniforms.

Aircraft 02

RAF · WWII

Supermarine Spitfire

The elegant fighter that defended the skies over Britain during the darkest days of 1940. The Spitfire became famous during the Battle of Britain and remains one of the most recognizable Allied aircraft of WWII.

First Flight: 1936
Engine: Rolls-Royce Merlin
Top Speed: 369 mph
Role: Fighter · Interceptor

Did You Know

This year's display highlights the RAF Spitfire as one of the signature aircraft visitors can see up close on the flight line.

Aircraft 03

D-Day · WWII

Douglas C-47 Skytrain

This actual C-47 dropped US paratroops into France on June 6, 1944. It remains one of the most powerful artifacts on the field — a transport aircraft visitors can board and experience firsthand.

First Flight: 1941
Crew: 3 + 28 troops
Range: 1,600 mi
Role: Transport · Paratroop

Did You Know

Event films also tell the story of the D-Day C-47, and visitors can climb aboard for a tour of this piece of American history.

Aircraft 04

Vietnam

Bell UH-1 Huey

One of the day's biggest family favorites, the Huey lets kids and grandparents climb aboard, meet the pilots who flew it in Vietnam, and sit at the controls around the guns and cockpit.

First Flight: 1956
Rotor Diameter: 48 ft
Crew + Troops: 4 + 8
Role: Utility · Medevac

Did You Know

For many visitors, hearing the stories of Huey crews in person is just as memorable as stepping inside the aircraft itself.

Aircraft 05

USAAF Trainer

Fairchild PT-19

Metal was in short supply during WWII and badly needed for combat aircraft, so pilots were often trained in lighter aircraft like the PT-19, built largely of wood.

First Flight: 1938
Engine: Ranger L-440
Top Speed: 132 mph
Role: Primary Trainer

Did You Know

Stop by the hangar to see the PT-19 up close and learn how it helped prepare a generation of wartime pilots.