Ground Displays
A full lineup of military and civilian aircraft will be on display at the Branson Wings of Pride Air Show. Fans will have the chance to get up close to these amazing planes, and even meet some of the pilots and crews who fly them.
*Aircraft are subject to change without notice.
B-25 Mitchell "Show Me"
Delivered to the USAAF as 44-31385 in January 1945, this B-25J served as a trainer until its retirement and storage at Davis-Monthan AFB in 1958.
Sold to its first private owner in 1959 and registered as N3481G, the aircraft was later damaged by a windstorm in Seymour, Illinois, in 1969 and did not fly again until 1975.
In 1982, it found a permanent home with the Missouri Wing of the Commemorative Air Force and was renamed “Show Me.” Its registration, N345TH, honors the 345th Bomb Group of the 5th Air Force, known as the “Air Apaches.”
Today, “Show Me” continues to fly as a living history aircraft and one of the elite bombers of the CAF’s Ghost Squadron.
TBM-3E Avenger
Built in May 1945 at the Eastern Aircraft (General Motors) plant in Trenton, New Jersey, this TBM-3E Avenger entered U.S. Navy service just as World War II came to a close. It served at several naval air stations across the country before joining Air Anti-Submarine Squadron VS-27 during the years leading up to the Korean War. As the conflict began, the aircraft transitioned into a training role, helping prepare Navy pilots for combat operations. After retiring from military service in 1961, the Avenger served with the Georgia Forestry Commission before entering private ownership. Since 2000, it has been proudly operated by the Missouri Wing of the Commemorative Air Force, where it continues to fly as a living tribute to the men and women who served in naval aviation.
AC-47 "Spooky"
The legendary AC-47 “Spooky” was America’s first dedicated gunship, forever changing the way close air support was provided on the battlefield. Developed from the iconic C-47 Skytrain—the workhorse transport aircraft of World War II—the AC-47 gained fame during the Vietnam War for its devastating firepower and unmistakable nighttime presence, earning nicknames like “Spooky” and “Puff the Magic Dragon.” The aircraft appearing at the Branson Wings of Pride Air Show was built in 1943 and served in Europe during World War II before supporting the Berlin Airlift. While this particular aircraft never flew combat missions as a gunship, it represents the remarkable legacy of the C-47 and the evolution of one of military aviation’s most historic aircraft.
Top Gun Experience
Ever wondered what it feels like to climb into the cockpit of a fighter jet? The DreamBIG TOPGUN MAVERICK F/A-18 Hornet Experience gives guests a rare, hands-on opportunity to do just that!
Step into an authentic F/A-18 cockpit, take the controls and get an up-close look at the aircraft made famous by Top Gun: Maverick. This interactive ground attraction brings aviation history to life while inspiring the next generation of pilots and aviation enthusiasts.
Climb in. Take the controls. Experience TOPGUN.
Top Gun Experience is sponsored by Old Missouri Bank
RISE ABOVE Exhibit
Step inside history with the CAF RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit, an immersive, climate-controlled mobile theater sharing the inspiring stories of the Tuskegee Airmen and Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP). A 160-degree panoramic screen puts you in the cockpit as you discover how these pioneering aviators overcame obstacles to serve their country during WWII.
Children will receive a FREE inspirational RISE ABOVE dog tag featuring the exhibit’s Six Guiding Principles.
Admission to the exhibit is FREE with Air Show admission.
STEM Tent
Families are invited to stop in for hands-on activities designed to get young minds thinking, building, experimenting, and exploring. Local organizations, including the Library Center of the Ozarks and Hollister School District, will bring STEM learning to life with interactive stations featuring rocket making, cup launchers, whirlybirds, puzzles, engineering challenges, and more.
Visitors can also discover some of the incredible STEM opportunities available right here in our community, including the engineering, robotics, aviation, and competition programs offered through Hollister School District.
And don’t miss the chance to get an up-close look at a Lockheed L-1011 TriStar engine—a unique opportunity to see the engineering and technology behind a piece of aviation history.
