The AV-8B Harrier II demonstration is one of the most sought-after aerial demonstrations offered by the U.S. military. The Marine Corps does not have a dedicated AV-8B II Harrier demonstration team, so demonstrations are performed by the same aircraft and Marines who train and deploy in support of real-world contingencies, including on-going operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. For this reason, Headquarters Marine Corps selects a handful of events to receive the coveted demonstration during the annual Harrier Demonstration and Osprey Static Display Board.
The newest aircraft to join the Marine Corps inventory is the MV-22 Osprey. Since its inception, the Marine Corps has received hundreds of requests for static displays of the unique tilt-rotor aircraft. The MV-22 flies twice as fast, carries three times the weight, and flies more than twice as high and six times farther than the dated helicopter (CH-46) it replaces.
To have your event considered on the board, please ensure you have submitted your request through the online application process by the deadline of October 12, 2009. No applications will be considered if they are submitted after that date. To submit your application please read and follow the submission instructions below. To see if your electronic submission of the DD2535 form has been received click: Requests Received for the 2010 Air Show Season.
WASHINGTON (July 15, 2009) – Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, will conduct its annual AV-8B Harrier Demonstration / MV-22 Osprey Static Display Selection Board Nov 4, 2009. The selection board will determine which events in calendar year 2010 will receive the coveted Harrier demonstration and or, the unique tilt-rotor Osprey.
Those interested in seeking a Harrier demonstration, or Osprey static display in 2010 must submit their completed requests via the Corps’ new website, www.marines.mil/community, no later than Oct. 12, 2009.
The exact number of aerial events to be selected for 2010 will be determined by the board. Due to the current operational and training requirements of the Corps’ Harrier and Osprey squadrons, the average number of demonstrations per year is 10 to 20. The Marine Corps receives more than 150 requests for Harrier and Osprey demonstrations each year.
Results of the board will be published on this web page. Events selected will receive official notification via mail, email, and telephone. Further, the official 2010 schedule will be sent to the International Council of Air Shows for publication on the ICAS website. Requestors are reminded that the Marine Corps does not have a designated AV-8B Harrier demonstration team, nor a dedicated MV-22 Osprey team. Marines of both aircraft are fleet Marines who train and operate in the continental U.S. and conduct missions in support of current operations around the world.
The Department of Defense requires all support provided by Marine Corps assets be incidental to the hosting event. Any changes to information regarding the request after submission must be communicated to the aviation liaison directly including changes to event dates, points of contact or telephone numbers. Failure to report any changes from the original request to the Marine Corps’ aviation liaison prior to the convening of the selection board will disqualify the event for consideration in 2010.
While the Marine Corps makes every effort to ensure selected sites receive designated aerial support, Marine Corps aviation units may cancel a scheduled appearance at any time due to unforeseen operational, training or safety requirements.