Dyess AFB located in Abilene TX is the home of 7th Bomb Wing (7 BW) and part of the Global Strike Command (GSC) The 7th BW performs combat training with 36 B-1B Lancer bomber ( also known as the BONE).
In this Texas springtime April, 2018 Dyess AFB host the Dyess BiG Country Air Fest opening her gates for 2 days showing off its military might of the B-1B and the supporting role of the C-130J performing air drop missions. This year we also get the Air Combat Command F-16C Viper demo.
Here are the list of Military aircrafts seen in this show.
| Unit | Serial Number | Aircraft Type | Special Markings |
| 2004 512th RQS | 82-23708 | HH-60G | |
| 7th BW | 86-140 | B-1B | 345th BS/CC |
| 7th BW | 86-236 | B-1B | |
| 7th BW | 86-135 | B-1B | |
| 7th BW | 86-098 | B-1B | |
| 7th BW | 85-073 | B-1B | 7 OG/CC |
| 20TH SOS | 12-0066 | CV-22 | |
| VIPER DEMO | AF930540 | F-16C BLK 50 | ACC DEMO |
| VIPER DEMO | 01-050 | F-16C BLK 50 | |
| VAQ-134 | 531-168770 | EA-18G | |
| 57TH WING WS | 13-5067 | F-35A | 6 WPS |
| 97TH AMW | 10295 | KC-135 | |
| 317TH AG | 83175 | C-130J | |
| 317TH AG | 85683 | C-130J | |
| 317TH AG | 85686 | C-130J | |
| 317TH AG | 73170 | C-130J | |
| 317TH AG | 85712 | C-130J | |
| 391ST FS | 91-330 | F15E | |
| 391ST FS | 90-248 | F15E | |
| 27TH FS | 09-184 | F-22A | |
| 437TH AW | 00172 | C-17 | |
| 343 BS | 61-010 | B-52H | 343 BS |
B-1B Lancer ” BONE” 7th Bomber Wing ( BW )
Dyess AFB being the home of the 7th BW is our main focus for this airshow and people coming here for B-1 will not be dissapointed. On the static line we get 2x B-1B with full payloads of JDAM to Cruise missiles. On the flying event, 2x B-1B did close air support demonstration on how the updated B-1B do mission with ground forces on a coordinated attack and reconnaissance mission. They also did several passes to show off the graceful and maneuverability of the BONE.
Flying Display
B-1B Static Display
317th Airlift Group
The 2nd unit that we will focus comes from the transport unit of the 317th Airlift Group flying the stretched C-130J. For the demonstrations, 317th AG showed off the C-130J on Static display and gives the audience an actual Air drop mission. One of the C-130 also perform a landing and with the trust reversal putting the C-130 going on reverse on a landing strip.
Flying Display
Static Display
Other Flying Display
Other Static Display
Article by Dave Chng
Photographs by Bill Havel and Dave Chng