The Thunder Over Michigan airshow on July 16-17, 2024 will be featuring many of its warbird aircraft and military demonstrations headlined by the US Navy Blue Angels. Like in 2021, the event takes up a “drive-in” style format where ticket buyers park in the spot they will occupy on the airshow grounds. The “the British are coming!” theme was somewhat dampened by thunderstorms and mechanical issues, but fortunately, several flying museums stepped into the breach, providing additional airframes.
Arguably one of the bigger highlights of the event was Lou Horschel’s FG-1D Corsair-a World War II veteran with service in the New Zealand Air Force-Horschel’s Corsair, now registered as NZ5612, performed some very graceful aerobatic displays each day in showing off its storied history and impressive capabilities.
The F-100F Super Sabre referred to with affection as the “Hun” and flown by Dean “Cutter” Cutshall, had an impressive background and even more impressive flying capabilities. This 1958-built aircraft served the USAF for many years in a variety of roles before being sold to the Turkish Air Force, which flew the jet on combat missions over Cyprus during that island’s invasion. Many years later, Cutshall and his crew restored this jet to make it one of only a few remaining examples to take to the skies.
The Dakota Air Museum’s Hurricane Mk. XII, flown by Bernie Vasquez, represented the contributions made during the Battle of Britain by the British Commonwealth. Garbed in the Mediterranean theatre’s equivalent of “tropical” camouflage, this represented how the Hurricane adapted and survived.
Making its show premiere at the Tri-state Warbird Museum’s P-40M Kittyhawk III didn’t disappoint with its pristine restoration. This 1943-vintage P-40M, originally a New Zealand Air Force trainer, has amassed a parade of restoration awards, including a “Grand Champion, World War II” at EAA’s Oshkosh extravaganza.
Capt. Aimee Fiedler of the USAF F-16 Viper Demo Team flying from Shaw AFB raised the demo jet named “Venom” into the sky, while Jim Beasley raised the P-51D Mustang “Bald Eagle” for the USAF Heritage Flight. A testimony to the legacy of these aircraft was a performance that was nothing short of absolutely unsurpassed.
Jerry Conley’s DH-115 Vampire, affectionately dubbed “Vampy Too,” led off the afternoon warbird segment in a big way. The historic Vampire, originally the first single-engine jet to take off and land on an aircraft carrier and cross the Atlantic Ocean was put through its paces by Conley’s deft flying.
The Tri-State Warbird Museum’s Focke Wulf Fw 190 F-8 was also flown by Ray Fowler. While an essentially new build, this aircraft incorporates numerous original components and has been restored to an airworthy state.
The Me-109 of Erickson Aircraft Collection represented the Buchon version, one built in Spain. Powered by an Allison V-1710 engine, the airplane has a colorful history, which includes being used in the movie Battle of Britain.
Yet another combat veteran, this Spitfire Mk. IXc of the Dakota Territory Air Museum was flown by Bernie Vasquez. The Spitfire sports a distinguished service record, having seen action over the D-Day beachhead and during Operation Market Garden.
Ohio Air National Guard’s F-16 Vipers of the 180th Fighter Wing, and 112th Fighter Squadron “Stingers” were in attendance in both static display and offering a few passes before heading back to their home base.
Headlining the event, the US Navy Blue Angels flew a low show because of the weather conditions but gave a thrilling performance with the F/A-18 Super Hornet and C-130J Hercules.
Static displays included a newly painted F/A-18E Super Hornet unveiled from VFC-12 “Fighting Omars” in Su-57 Felon markings. A nighttime engine run-up photo shoot included the Toledo ANG F-16 Viper, Me-109, and P-40M for a very unique collaboration with an ANG unit.
Thunder Over Michigan was a great celebration of aviation history. It featured something from all eras and genres to strike a sense of wonder in the crowd.