F-35B Lightning II - Not part of the Air Show: At the Thunder over Michigan Show, there were a few F-35s on static display. But there were also two on the hot ramp, which would taxi by...

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F-35B Lightning II - Not part of the Air Show

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Sep 1, 2023 19:36:35 #

kmpankopf Loc: Mid-Michigan; SW Pennsylvania

At the Thunder over Michigan Show, there were a few F-35s on static display. But there were also two on the hot ramp, which would taxi by the photo pit a few times each day. These were not on the schedule, but rumor had it that there was an exercise a state or two away and they were using Willow Run as 'base'. Anything for a photo op. So their take offs and landings were worked in with the show. There was a time when they broke into the show pattern and picked up a chance to do some formation flying with a guest. Not sure you will ever see this formation again flying with two F-35Bs. (I bet there were some phone call made about this!) Enjoy the last photo. (I think they call that a tease.)

F-35B Close Up!

F-35B Landing over a F-22 Raptor

F-35B Landing over a CF-118 Hornet

F-35B Ramp Taxi Pair Nose On

F-35B Ramp at Dawn Golden Light

This is a pair of F-35Bs in formation with a MiG 23. Usually formation flying is something that isn't put together over a cup of coffee. There had to be some planning.
In a very unfortunate note, the MiG did not survive the show. It lost power and both aircrew punched out. The aircraft was lost, with no fatalities on the ground. There are many videos on line - Google Michigan Airshow Crash.

F-35Bs in flight formation with a MiG 23