Miramar Air Show - MAGTF Demo

MAGTF Demo

A major element of each year's show is the MAGTF Demo, a simulated assault by numerous Marine Corps units that demonstrates the air, ground and logistical elements of the Marine Air Ground Task Force. The demonstration is performed each day of the show and features an array of fixed-wing and rotor-wing aircraft -- F/A-18 Hornet and AV-8B Harrier jets, CH-53 Sea Stallion, CH-46 Sea Knight, AH-1 Super Cobra and UH-1N Huey helicopters and KC-130 Hercules tankers—all in the air simultaneously. The Hornet and Harrier jets take turns flying simulated attack runs and demonstrate mid-air refueling with the KC-130. The Sea Stallion and Sea Knight helicopters also demonstrate refueling, then deliver Marine Corps ground troops and equipment to the airfield, while the Cobra gunships simulate attack and air cover roles. In 2010 the Marine Corps' MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft joined the MAGTF demo, also ferrying in troops. The UH-1N Huey delivers a team of Marine infantry via a fast-rope insertion, where they simulate calling in a naval artillery barrage, then retrieves them in a Special Patrol Insertion/Extraction maneuver. On the ground, Marine infantry simulate an advance on an enemy position, joined by M-1 Abrams tanks, Light Armored Vehicles and Humvees. Throughout the demonstration the attacks are punctuated by controlled pyrotechnic explosions, culminating in a "wall of fire" detonation. An air and ground review concludes each performance.