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The best F-22 Raptor demo
Brought to our attention by John Jones, a reader of The Aviation Geek Club, and filmed by our friend Dafydd Phillips at the Pacific Airshow that took place at Huntington Beach between the end of September and the beginning of October, the cool video in this post features what is probably the best F-22 Raptor demo display you’ve ever seen.
Pushing the F-22 Raptor beyond its limits
Phillips explains;
‘Pacific Airshow at Huntington Beach had it all, first up the US Air Force F-22 Raptor Demo. Captain Samuel “RaZZ” Larson pushed the Raptor to its limits and beyond with the tail slide and the pedal turn to name just few of his amazing manoeuvres.’
F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team
The F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team performs precision aerial maneuvers at airshows across the world to demonstrate the unique capabilities of the world’s premier 5th generation fighter aircraft. The team also performs with the Air Force Heritage Flight Foundation to showcase modern day fighter jets flying in formation with World War II, Korean, and Vietnam era aircraft.
The team is stationed at Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Hampton, Virginia. In March 2007, the team participated in its debut air show at Tyndall Air Force Base.
Prior to 2016, the team consisted of the pilot, safety officer, superintendent, team chief, multiple crew chiefs, and avionics specialists. Now, the team has 14 total members to include public affairs and aircrew flight equipment technicians. Together, the team visits local schools, hospitals, and participates in various community events in addition to performing aerial demonstrations.
The pilot
Captain Samuel Larson is the Commander, F-22 Demonstration Team, 1st Fighter Wing, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. The mission of the F-22 Demonstration Team is to showcase the unmatched maneuverability of the Air Force’s 5th generation air dominance stealth fighter, highlight the history of the Air Force’s service though heritage formation flights, and interact with local communities through outreach events. Capt. Larson is an experienced combat fighter pilot with more than 750 hours flying the F-22A Raptor.
Capt. Larson leads the 14-member F-22 Demonstration Team, oversees maintenance actions performed on the most advanced fighter jets ever built, and showcases the F-22 Raptor for more than 10 million spectators around the world each year. He is an operational F-22 pilot assigned to the 1st Operations Group within the 1st Fighter Wing.
Photo credit: Dafydd Phillips
