The CenterPoint Energy Dayton Air Show, a highly anticipated event for aviation enthusiasts, is set to make history. Scheduled for June 22-23 at the Dayton International Airport, the 2024 air show, marking its 50th anniversary, will feature a groundbreaking participant: the MQ-9 Reaper drone. This marks the first time the General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper, a formidable fixture in modern warfare and intelligence, will be showcased at the air show, providing attendees an unparalleled opportunity to witness the drone up close on the tarmac.

Since its inception in 2007, the MQ-9 Reaper has garnered attention for its versatile capabilities, which include intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance missions, and precision strikes.

Costing approximately $30 million per unit, the Reaper’s role has been highlighted in recent times, particularly as leaders of Ukraine have sought this weapon for defense in the ongoing conflict against the Russian invasion.

Kevin Franklin, the president of Wright Brothers Aero and executive director of the Dayton Air Show, expressed his enthusiasm for the Reaper’s participation: “We have a Reaper which will be here at the show this year, which will be unique for the show. It’s going to be a great, great 50th anniversary show.”

The Reaper, hailing from Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico, is expected to arrive on Friday, June 19, and will be stationed behind the show’s main gate, adjacent to Wright Brothers Aero Inc.

The air show’s 50th-anniversary celebration promises to be an impressive one, with more ground displays than ever before—nearly 120, including some 80 elaborate exhibits.

Attendees can also look forward to the static display of a B-52 Stratofortress from Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota, adding to the event’s historical significance.

Adding to the excitement, the headline performers for the air show will be the U.S. Navy Blue Angels aerobatic team, astonishing the crowd with their F/A-18 Super Hornets, capable of reaching speeds up to 1.4 MACH (1,190 mph).

Although the Air Force Thunderbirds team will not be performing due to training commitments, the inclusion of the Reaper and other exhibits ensures a captivating lineup for the attendees.

In February, the Air Force achieved a significant milestone with the MQ-9 Reaper, as the 50th Attack Squadron and Air National Guardsmen from the 163rd Attack Wing conducted the first satellite-controlled landing of the drone at Shaw Air Force Base. This technological advance underscores the growing importance of remotely piloted systems and their integration into current and future military operations.

The Dayton Air Show has a storied history, tracing its origins back to an early “Aviation Days” showcase in 1974 at what was then called Dayton General Airport.

Over the years, the show has become a staple for the community and aviation buffs, presenting cutting-edge technology and celebrating the legacy of flight.

The upcoming air show continues this tradition, offering a unique blend of history, technology, and thrill that promises to engage the curiosity and passions of military tech and politics enthusiasts.

For those interested in witnessing this historical event and exploring the vast range of military technology on display, ticket information is available at the official air show website, daytonairshow.com.

The inclusion of the MQ-9 Reaper at the Dayton Air Show not only offers an exciting spectacle but also reflects the continuous evolution of military technology and its impact on modern warfare and defense strategies. This event is a must-see for anyone captivated by the intersection of military innovation and historical significance.