AirshowStuff Forums

“Fifi”, the Commemorative Air Force's B-29A Superfortress, has just been added.

Fifi has been featured at Thunder numerous times over the past 25 years and even headlined the 2015 BOMBERTOWN USA show.

“Diamond Lil”, the B-24A Liberator from the same squadron, will be joining Fifi. Diamond Lil has also made numerous appearances at Thunder.

Bretten Bailey wrote: ↑Tue Oct 04, 2022 3:26 pm the C-54D Skymaster "Spirit of Freedom" from Berlin Airlift Historical Foundation (BAHF) will be at this year's event.

The OG Spirit of Freedom participated in many early Air Displays and Thunder Over Michigan events at Willow Run. This common sight makes it a perfect fit for the 25th Anniversary event.

With the 25th anniversary, Are they trying to bring in aircraft that have showed up in the past?

^The theme with the P-51s is a throwback to the original event hosted at the museum prior to the event evolving into Thunder as it is today. The 25 year theme will feature many old favorites, but some new ones will be mixed in too.

There's going to be a ton of variety this year on top of the Mustang theme. Plenty of uncommon attractions in the works right now. Without a formation demo team there's more room on the ramp for a packed static display with warbirds and modern military also.

Still waiting to hear about what format it will be, drive-in or back to normal. That will go a long way in determining whether we go or not.

BruceK wrote: ↑Mon Oct 10, 2022 9:32 pm Still waiting to hear about what format it will be, drive-in or back to normal. That will go a long way in determining whether we go or not.

Yep. Couldn't possibly care less what they book if they're going to split the show in two and then not even fly all the acts in either show. A split show that costs more and doesn't include everything remains insultingly stupid.

BruceK wrote: ↑Mon Oct 10, 2022 9:32 pm Still waiting to hear about what format it will be, drive-in or back to normal. That will go a long way in determining whether we go or not.

My family is in the same boat. Fingers crossed

Keeping my fingers crossed. Ticketing announcements typically come late October early November.

Standby for ticketing announcements and format of show soon.

First two P-51s officially added, and they will be far from the last. The two hometown birds from Jack Roush will be present. Jack Roush’s rare P-51B “OLD CROW” and P-51D “Gentleman Jim”

Paul Keppeler’s F-86E Sabre Mk. 6 has been added to the mix.
This will be the first time this particular bird makes a Thunder appearance. Most of its life was spent overseas until the early 90s, becoming a regular flyer back in 2016.