USMC AV-8B HARRIER & F-35B Lightning II - Ultra Rare Flyby - National Cherry Festival Airshow 2025

Описание: You’ll never see this again — two of the most unique aircraft in Marine Corps history flying in formation over one of America’s most scenic summer airshows. At the 2025 National Cherry Festival Airshow in Traverse City, Michigan, the USMC brought out both the legendary AV-8B Harrier II and the cutting-edge F-35B Lightning II for a historic moment in aviation.

More Harrier Action! Click the links below!
   • The LAST USMC Harrier Demo – Rare Footage:...  
   • The Last USMC AV-8B Harrier Demo || VTOL J...  
   • USMC AV-8B Harrier Demo || 2nd to Last Dem...  

For the first time ever inside the United States, these two V/STOL (Vertical/Short Takeoff and Landing) jets took to the sky together in formation — a nod to the past, present, and future of Marine Corps aviation.

The AV-8B Harrier II, developed by McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) and BAE Systems, is one of the most iconic jets in military aviation. Known for its ability to hover and take off vertically like a helicopter, the Harrier changed the game for close air support and forward operating missions. Powered by a Rolls-Royce Pegasus turbofan engine with vectored thrust, the AV-8B has a top speed of around 662 mph (Mach 0.86), a range of approximately 1,200 miles, and a max takeoff weight of roughly 31,000 pounds. It was designed primarily for close air support (CAS), reconnaissance, and limited air interdiction, especially from amphibious assault ships or makeshift forward bases. Despite its age, the Harrier remains a highly maneuverable and powerful combat jet.

On the other side of the formation is the fifth-generation F-35B Lightning II — a stealth multirole fighter developed by Lockheed Martin. Designed to replace the Harrier, the F/A-18 Hornet, and other aging platforms, the F-35B features a revolutionary short takeoff/vertical landing capability thanks to its integrated lift fan and swiveling exhaust nozzle. This allows it to operate from shorter runways and amphibious assault ships without catapults or arresting wires. With a top speed of Mach 1.6 (approximately 1,200 mph), a combat radius of over 900 nautical miles, and internal stealth weapon bays, the F-35B brings a completely different level of capability. It’s built for air superiority, ground attack, ISR (intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance), and electronic warfare — all in one platform. The jet’s weight at maximum takeoff is around 60,000 pounds, making it significantly larger and more capable than its predecessor.

The 2025 National Cherry Festival Airshow was a standout stop on the summer aviation calendar, drawing thousands of fans and aviation photographers to Traverse City’s stunning lakefront. The festival is famous not just for its airshow but for its full week of events — celebrating northern Michigan’s cherry industry with parades, concerts, and family fun. But for aviation fans, this year’s show was truly unforgettable. Featuring performances from the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, USAF A-10 Demo Team, and warbirds from multiple eras, the highlight for many was this once-in-a-lifetime V/STOL formation.

Traverse City, known for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant summer culture, offers the perfect backdrop for high-speed passes and aerobatics. The 2025 airshow did not disappoint — combining heritage aircraft, modern fighters, and a crowd of passionate aviation lovers into one electric weekend. For Marine Corps aviation fans especially, seeing the Harrier and the F-35B flying together over the bay was more than just a demo — it was a passing of the torch.

Many aviation fans love the AV-8B Harrier II videos to see its unique vertical takeoff and landing abilities in action. Often called the “Harrier jump jet” or “USMC Harrier,” this aircraft is frequently featured in searches for “Harrier hover demo,” “Harrier short takeoff,” and “AV-8B close air support.” Pilots and enthusiasts alike look up terms like “Harrier specs,” “Harrier engine,” and “Marine Corps Harrier airshow” when exploring its capabilities.

The F-35B Lightning II is another highly searched aircraft, especially because of its short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) capabilities. People often look for “F-35B vertical landing,” “F-35B lift fan system,” or simply “USMC F-35 demo” to see it in action. Viewers also search for comparisons like “F-35B vs Harrier” or “F-35 STOVL fighter,” as well as high-performance terms such as “F-35 stealth fighter,” “Marine F-35 airshow,” and “F-35B formation flight.”

This rare formation flight is likely to show up for people searching “Harrier and F-35 fly together,” “V/STOL jet demo 2025,” or “military jet formation Cherry Festival airshow.” With both aircraft being featured in one video, it taps into trending aviation topics like “rare fighter jet footage,” “2025 airshow highlights,” and “Traverse City F-35B demo.” If you're searching for anything related to modern Marine Corps aviation, iconic airshow moments, or STOVL fighter jets, you’re in the right place.

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