Performance Schedule

Experience the power and precision of the F-35A Lightning II, brought to Pistons & Props by the U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team from Hill Air Force Base, Utah. This high-energy demonstration showcases the combat capabilities of America’s newest fifth-generation stealth fighter.

Performance times for the F-35A demonstration will be released as we get closer to the show.

Ticket Information

About the F-35A Lightning II

The F-35A Lightning II is the U.S. Air Force’s newest fifth-generation fighter, a stealthy, multirole, all-weather air-to-air and surface attack aircraft designed to enable direct attack against the most heavily defended ground targets. It brings next-generation stealth, enhanced situational awareness, and reduced vulnerability for the United States and allied nations.

The conventional takeoff and landing F-35A is an agile, versatile, high-performance, 9g-capable multirole fighter that combines stealth, sensor fusion and unprecedented situational awareness. Its advanced sensor package includes the Electro-Optical Distributed Aperture System, the Electro-Optical Targeting System, and the most advanced helmet mounted display system of its kind, which replaces the traditional Heads Up Display.

With nine countries involved in its development, the F-35 represents a new model of international cooperation that supports U.S. and Coalition partner security well into the 21st century. It is designed to replace aging fighter inventories including U.S. Air Force F-16s and A-10s, U.S. Navy F/A-18s, U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harriers and F/A-18s, and U.K. Harrier GR.7s and Sea Harriers.

F-35A Lightning II fifth-generation stealth fighter in flight.
F-35A Lightning II banking against a clear sky.
F-35A Lightning II profile showing stealth airframe contours.

Performance Highlights

  • Top speedMach 1.6 (~1,200 mph)
  • Thrust43,000 lb
  • G capability9g
  • Range1,350+ miles internal fuel

Key Stats

  • Generation5th
  • Prime contractorLockheed Martin
  • EnginePratt & Whitney F135-PW-100
  • Wingspan35 ft
  • Length51 ft
  • Max takeoff weight70,000 lb class
  • Payload18,000 lb

About the Pilot

Maj. Sean “Rambo” Loughlin is the commander and demonstration pilot of the U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team, assigned to the 388th Fighter Wing’s 421st Fighter Squadron at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. He was certified as the team’s newest commander in 2026 after previously serving as a safety observer for the prior demonstration pilot.

A native of Massachusetts, Loughlin’s passion for aviation began as a child spending weekends at Hyannis Airport with his late grandmother, watching aircraft come and go. Inspired by his father’s 32-year career in the U.S. Army, he commissioned through the Reserve Officer Training Corps in 2015 and has since served eleven years in the Air Force.

With more than 1,200 flight hours, Loughlin has flown the T-6 Texan, T-1A Jayhawk, T-38C Talon, F-15E Strike Eagle, A-10C Thunderbolt II, and F-35A Lightning II. As the demo team’s commander he leads a traveling team of 11 maintainers and support personnel, serving as a powerful voice for Air Force recruiting while showcasing the combat capabilities of the F-35A around the globe.

“I grew up in Massachusetts, going to Hyannis Airport with my late grandmother every weekend.” — Maj. Sean “Rambo” Loughlin

Source: 388th Fighter Wing official biography.

F-35A Photo Gallery

F-35A Lightning II with weapons bay and underside detail.
F-35A Lightning II soaring during a demonstration pass.
F-35A Lightning II with afterburner engaged.
F-35A Lightning II climbing into a vertical maneuver.
F-35A Lightning II cockpit and canopy detail in flight.
F-35A Lightning II tail and twin vertical stabilizers detail.
F-35A Lightning II on the ramp with full payload markings.