‘Most advanced fighter jet’ will fly through Tri-Cities for 2023 Over the River Air Show

Karlee Van De Venter
·1 min read
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The 2023 Water Follies Over the River air show will feature the most advanced fighter jet in the world, the Air Force F-35A Lightning II.

A demonstration team led by Major Kristin “Beo” Wolfe, a second-generation Air Force pilot who flew over the 2022 Super Bowl, will showcase the stealth fighter’s abilities in the air.

The F-35A is a fifth-generation fighter aircraft designed for agility and versatility that can sustain up to 9Gs, a speed at which your body feels up to nine times heavier.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Kristin “BEO” Wolfe, F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team commander and pilot, flies during a demonstration rehearsal at Hill Air Force Utah, January 2021.
U.S. Air Force Maj. Kristin “BEO” Wolfe, F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team commander and pilot, flies during a demonstration rehearsal at Hill Air Force Utah, January 2021.

The jet’s engine creates 43,000 pounds of thrust with a three-stage fan, six-stage compressor, a high-pressure turbine and a two-stage low-pressure turbine, according to a publication from the Air Force Demo Team.

This allows the fighter to reach a maximum of about 1,200 mph.

The F-35A Lightning II will be joined by a P-51 Heritage Flight, F4U Corsair, F8F Bearcat and A-37 Dragonfly.

This year, the air show will be sponsored by STCU, Spokane Teachers Credit Union. It has been sponsored by HAPO Credit Union in previous years.

Second day views of Columbia Cup and Over the River Air Show action from the official Water Follies barge in Kennewick’s Columbia Park.
Second day views of Columbia Cup and Over the River Air Show action from the official Water Follies barge in Kennewick’s Columbia Park.

“The events hosted by Tri-City Water Follies are more than fun,” stated STCU President and CEO Ezra Eckhardt in a joint news release. “They are community touchstones and the biggest highlight of summer for many Tri-Cities residents and visitors.”

The 2023 Water Follies are scheduled for July 28-30. Tickets are on sale now.

“We are thrilled to have STCU on board to sponsor the Over the River Air Show,” Nathan Craghill, Water Follies president, said in the release. “STCU is deeply committed to the communities they serve.”