May 16-18, 2025 | Hillsboro Airport | Hillsboro, OR
U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team
The U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II Demo Team returns to Oregon! The team operates the F-35A, which is a 5th-generation fighter jet, with top-of-the-line stealth capabilities. This unique fighter aircraft leaves Air Show fans wanting more no matter where it goes, thanks to its unique capabilities.
Hack to Hide
About the F-35A Lightning II Demo Team
2016
The team made their Air Show debut in 2016, and was originally named the “F-35 Heritage Flight Team.” They were based out of Luke Air Force Base. They originally flew a one or two-ship heritage flight at Air Shows.
2018
At the end of 2018, they announced their new name, “F-35A Lightning II Demo Team.”
2019
Then in Dec. 2019, they shared that they officially part of the Air Combat Command (ACC). The ACC is the office that manages all single-ship demo teams for the Air Force.
2020
The team was reassigned to their current home base, Hill Air Force Base in Utah. 
They also announced the team’s first female pilot and commander, Maj. Kristin “BEO” Wolfe.
2023
In 2023, BEO flew her last flight with the team.
2024
They reveal their new pilot and commander, Maj. Melanie “MACH” Kluesner.
2026
MACH flew her last flight with the demo team in 2025, so stay tuned for the reveal of the new pilot and commander coming in 2026!
About the F-35A Lightning II
Celebrating 10 years of the F-35
The F-35 is the newest 5th-gen fighter that is set to eventually replace the A-10 and F-16, as the primary fighter aircraft for the Air Force. The F-35A first flew in 2006, and after several more years of modifications, the Air Force declared it operationally ready in 2016.
The F-35A is a stealthy, multirole, all-weather air-to-air and surface attack fighter. It is designed to enable direct attack against the most heavily defended ground targets. The F-35A is equipped with some of the best technology there is to offer, which gives pilots greater situational awareness, which allows them to operate in a variety of conditions.
Characteristics
Primary Function: Multirole fighter
Prime Contractor: Lockheed Martin
Power Plant: One Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 turbofan engine
Thrust: 43,000 pounds
Wingspan: 35 feet (10.7 meters)
Length: 51 feet (15.7 meters)
Height: 14 feet (4.38 meters)
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 70,000 pound class
Fuel Capacity: Internal: 18,498 pounds
Payload: 18,000 pounds (8,160 kilograms)
Speed: Mach 1.6 (~1,200 mph)
Range: More than 1,350 miles with internal fuel (1,200+ nautical miles), unlimited with aerial refueling
Differences Between the F-35A and F-35B
While there may be more detailed and specific differences between the F-35A and F-35B, we’re going to break down the two biggest and quickest ways to tell the difference between the two variants.
F-35A
The F-35A is operated by the U.S. Air Force. This aircraft is designed for traditional take-off and landing on runways.
F-35B
On the other hand, the F-35B is operated by the U.S. Marine Corps, and can land vertically and take off in short distances.
