RENO — The F-22 Raptor is returning this fall to the Reno National Championship Air Races.
The most advanced stealth fighter in jet history has a state-of-the-art thrust system that allows it to hover sideways in midair and pivot 360-degrees at nearly any speed.
The federal government shutdown forced the cancellation of the F-22’s planned visit to the 50th annual air races a year ago.
But Reno Air Racing Association Chairman Mike Major says this year’s appearance has been confirmed by the Air Combat Command Demonstration Team based at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia.
It will be third time the F-22 team has performed its precision aerial maneuvers above Reno-Stead Airport just north of Reno. Major says the fifth-generation fighter is hugely popular with fans.
This year’s races run Sept. 10-14.