California Capital Airshow Performer Lineup

Frecce Tricolori - Italian Air Force's Military Jet Demonstration Team

One of just seven opportunities in the United States to experience the Italian Jet Team’s dynamic demonstration, this year's California Capital Airshow will feature the Frecce Tricolori Italian Air Force Demo Team as their headliner. You won't want to miss out on this rare opportunity to see them perform at Mather Airport. Get an impressive view of the action and watch the soar high above Rancho Cordova as they perform gravity-defying tricks.

USAF Thunderbirds

The USAF Thunderbirds, known for their precision flying and breathtaking aerobatics, will showcase their incredible skills at the 2024 California Capital Airshow this year as they headline with the infamous Italian Jet Team, Frecci Tricolori. As the United States Air Force's premier aerial demonstration team, the Thunderbirds thrill spectators with their high-speed maneuvers, tight formations, and thrilling solo passes. Their performance will be a dazzling display of aviation excellence, highlighting the professionalism and expertise of America's Air Force that you won't want to miss!

Watch a spectacular evening pyrotechnics & LED Lights Show featuring pilot Nathan Hammond and the 'GhostWriter,' a 1956 deHavilland Chipmunk, specially modified for Airshow aerobatics and Skywriting. Awarded the 2023 Bill Barber Award for Showmanship, pilot Nathan K. Hammond, has logged over 7,000 hours in flight time and is nationally recognized for his outstanding airshow performances. Don't miss out on the opportunity to watch as Hammond showcases the deHavilland Chipmunk's cruising speed of 150 mph, a climb at a rate of 2,500 feet per minute, and a ceiling of 17,500 during a one-of-a-kind summer evening fireworks display!

US Air Force F-35 Lightning II Demo Team

This aerobatic performance will feature 14 maneuvers and the impressive capabilities of the F-35A Lighting II. Pilots will showcase flight speeds of less than 100 mph brace the audience for a high speed pass just below the sound barrier, pulling up tio 9Gs (9 times the force of gravity). Don't miss out on the chance to meet the one of the top of the line USAF aircrafts in action.

The C-17 Globemaster III Tactical Flying Demonstration

Watch the C-17 Globemaster III, the newest and most adaptable 289,000+ pounds of cargo aircraft to join the airlift force soar through Rancho Cordova's beautiful sunset skies.

The C-17 is known for being able to strategically transfer troops and cargo of any kind quickly and efficiently to advance locations in the deployment area or to major operating bases. When necessary, the aircraft may carry out airdrop and tactical airlift missions in addition to transporting ambulatory patients and litters during aeromedical evacuations. The C-17 force's natural adaptability and effectiveness enhance the overall airlift system's capacity to meet the US government's requirements for air mobility around the world.

SUKHOI WEST 2-PLANE DEMO TEAM

Many years ago, the Sukhoi West Demo Team was created to showcase some of the best aerobatic aircraft in the world. The team only reestablished itself recently, with Cory Lovell and Randy Howell piloting identical 400 horsepower Sukhoi SU-26 aerobatic planes.

One of the greatest aerobatic aircraft in the world, the Sukhoi has a special way of showcasing both low- and high-speed maneuvers. A single radial reciprocating engine powers the single-seat Sukhoi Su-26 aerobatic aircraft with the main gear of the Su-26 is fixed and mounted on a solid titanium arc!

Patriot Parachute Team

This amazing parachute team of U.S. Navy SEALS, an Air Force fighter pilot, an high-altitude military freefall specialist, and Navy Special Ops is coming back to the California Capital Airshow this year! Watch in amazement as the incredible Patriot Parachute Team master one-of-a-kind dynamic flag performances and fly their parachutes inverted and straight towards the ground at over 100 mph! Oh and did we mention there will be pyrotechnics involved too? You don't want to miss out!

VFA-122 Flying Eagles & US Navy F-18F Super Hornet

Strike Fighter Squadron 122, located at Naval Air Station in Lemoore, California, is honored to present the F/A-18 to the California Capital Airshow. The F/A-18 Super Hornet represents the 21st Century’s first truly multi-role fighter. Don't miss out on this amazing team's dynamic performance at this year's one-of-a-kind airshow.

Display Aircrafts

In addition to watching the spectacular performances, you'll have the chance to explore grounded planes, meet pilots and interact with crew members. This is your chance to get up close, especially if you love aviation. Nothing is more fascinating than touring vintage military planes, especially ones that flew back in World War II.

This year you can expect to see, and even climb through, some of the largest military planes the US military has to offer including the C-5 Super Galaxy M, C-17 Globemaster II, KC-10 Extender, & KC-135 Stratotanker! Explore the air delivery service vessels in two of the largest air-cargo fleets in the world and meet the first responders and aircrafts that make up the law enforcement, medi-vac, surveillance and firefighting agencies in the U.S.

Vendor Booths

In addition to the show in the sky, first-class entertainment is still on the ground with food, drinks, and vendor booths aplenty! ATMs are NOT available, but every vendor will have options to pay with debit or credit card.