A former show, of which I hear, was excellent...
AlJazeera reports: "Despite a tough year for the aviation industry, big business is still being done in the world of both civilian and combat aircraft."
From the Dubai Air Show:
Dubai Air Show encourages partnership, compatible hardware:
by Chief Master Sgt. Trish Freeland (USAF CentCom)
11/24/2009 - DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AFNS) -- More than 150 servicemembers participated in the 11th Dubai Air Show Nov. 15 through 19 here. The Dubai Air Show is currently the third largest air show in the world and the U.S. has participated every year since the first show.
Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid, the ruler of Dubai; Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed, the ruler of Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates; Gen. Norton Schwartz, the Air Force chief of staff; and Army Gen. David Petraeus, the commander of U.S. Central Command, were among the leaders who attended the opening ceremonies.
"This is a gathering of nations from this region and the world that come together to look at airplanes, talk about airpower and to gel some of their decision-making," said Lt. Gen. Mike Hostage, the commander of U.S. Air Forces Central Command. "I had a chance to meet my counterparts in the gulf, air chiefs and ministers of defense and answer questions about U.S. airpower."In addition to discussing airpower, one of the primary reasons United States officials participate in the Dubai Air Show is to demonstrate a commitment to regional security in the gulf.
"Participation in this air show benefits our nation's strategic security interests," said Bruce Lemkin, the deputy undersecretary of the Air Force for international affairs. Read more.
Today's Links...
Edwards AFB Air Show 2009 Highlights VIDEO.
UPDATE: Our guys brought the plane I would use for a quick destination; with massive "luggage" compartment! ...(of course, instead of bombs.)
Maj. David "Zeke" Skalicky demonstrates (see spectators video) View its under-belly! VIDEO: F-22 Raptor Demo
"F-22 Raptor made its first appearance in the Middle East on day one of the Dubai Air Show and delivered an encore performance at the show's close on day five!"
