The F-35 Lightning II Demo Team is set to electrify audiences at the upcoming Abbotsford International Airshow. This highly skilled precision flying team of pilots and technicians will showcase the awesome capabilities of the F-35 Lightning II, one of the most advanced fighter technology aircraft in the world.

Combat Meets Speed

The F-35 Lightning II is a fifth-generation, multi-role stealth fighter designed to meet the needs of several international partners, including Canada. It features advanced avionics, sensors, weapons systems, and an extremely powerful engine that highlights its jet engine power, allowing it to fly at supersonic speeds and reach altitudes of up to 50,000 feet.

The F-35 Lightning II Demo Team has been wowing audiences worldwide since 2016, and their airshow performances are always a highlight of the event. During their performance, the team will demonstrate the incredible speed, agility, and maneuverability of the F-35 Lightning II and some of its advanced weapons systems.

A Highlight For All Enthusiasts

One of the most impressive features of the F-35 Lightning II is its stealth technology, which allows it to evade enemy radar and avoid detection. The aircraft has several advanced sensors and stealth coatings, making it virtually invisible to radar. 

The F-35 Lightning II Demo Team will showcase this technology by performing a series of aerobatic maneuvers, during which the aircraft will appear to materialize out of thin air. In addition to its stealth technology, the F-35 Lightning II is equipped with a powerful array of weapons systems, including air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground bombs, and a 25mm cannon.

Capt. Melanie “MACH” Kluesner

Kluesner comes from a military family and was inspired at a young age by her parents to become a fighter pilot. After graduating from the University of Southern California, Kluesner commissioned into the Air Force in 2014. She is a veteran combat fighter pilot with more than 1,000 hours of experience in a variety of aircraft, including the T-6A Texan II, T-38 Talon, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-35B and F-35A Lightning II.