V-22 Osprey And MQ-9 Reaper Make Historic First Static Appearance In Canada At 2017 Lethbridge Intl. Airshow

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USMC MV-22 Osprey - EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2014

Some of the most advanced machines in modern military hardware are making their way to the Lethbridge International Airshow this year – their first static appearances in Canada. Both aircraft will be featured guests as part of the growing static display set to appear at the show July 14-16.

The innovative Bell Boeing MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft will be coming from Marine Corps Air Station Mirimar in San Diego, California. The Osprey has the unique ability to transition from vertical flight to conventional flight via the rotation of its two large turboshaft engines and rotors. First fielded in March 2007, the MV-22 has seen extensive use on deployments with the United States Marine Corps.

USMC MV-22 Osprey - EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2014USAF General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper Static Display Aviation Nation Nellis Air Force Base AFB Creech

Accompanying the MV-22 on static display will be the General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) from Creech Air Force Base outside Las Vegas, Nevada. Following the success and use of the now-dated MQ-1 Predator, General Atomics improved the airframe and capability to form the MQ-9. You will get a chance to see both the MQ-9 and MQ-1 on display together over the show weekend. As the face of the future in unmanned aerial systems, the Reaper UCAV will be an attraction all its own, amidst other exciting spectacles at this year’s show.

Royal Canadian Air Force CC-177 Globemaster III Anniversary Paint 2017 429 Squadron
Courtesy of the RCAF

Equally as exciting, a specially-painted CC-177 Globemaster III from 429 Transport Squadron “Bisons” of 8 Wing in Trenton, Ontario will be attending the show. The squadron has painted the tail of their aircraft to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the unit’s formation and 10 years of the Globemaster III’s service with the Royal Canadian Air Force.

Additionally, newly-confirmed aircraft to join the static display listing for the show include the US Navy’s P-8 Poseidon, C-2 Greyhound, and E-2 Hawkeye, and the US Air Force’s A-10 Thunderbolt II “Warthog,” C-17 Globemaster III, and C-5M Super Galaxy.

You can learn more about what else will be shown off at this year’s Lethbridge International Airshow at the event’s website .

Are you planning on attending the Lethbridge International Airshow this year? Join the conversation in our forums!

  1. Bingofuel

    Awesome…but not the first public appearance in Canada. Was at the Toronto airshow in 2011.

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