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Capture military aircraft photos
at the Miramar Air Show.


For three days every October, MCAS Miramar opens its doors to the public and allows close-up military aircraft photos to be taken. This huge San Diego military base plays host to one of the largest air shows in the world. It features large ground displays of both civilian and military jets, plus lots of military helicopters.

miramar air show

The United States Marine Corps marching band gets
ready to play at the 2008 Miramar Air Show.


california air shows

There are a number of military jets on display at the air show
(both past and present). This is the FA18-D Hornet airplane.


military aircraft pictures

Here are two more military fighter jets, the F5 Tiger (foreground)
and the F4 Phantom.


Many of these planes and helicopters are opened up for public inspection and photographing. The ground displays are spread out across the tarmac allowing ample room for visitors to freely roam among the aircraft - even as they watch ongoing events in the sky above. There are lots of food and souvenir booths set up as well making for a fair-like atmosphere.

military air show

This is the A4 Skyhawk airplane. It is a 1960's era military jet which was on display in one of the hangars. Getting close-up access to old and new planes alike can potentially make for great military aircraft photos.

california air shows

A giant U.S. flag is draped over the side of a Miramar aircraft hangar.

air show photography

There is always lots of action going on in the sky at an air show. This is a shot of a Russian MiG 17 military jet streaking low across the tarmac area.

There are lots of aerial shows taking place throughout the day including stunt pilots performing acrobatic maneuvers in the sky and parachutists circling and landing with precision skill. Past and current military jets streak across the sky creating many opportunities for great military aircraft photos. Of course, it helps a great deal if you have a powerful zoom lens on your camera and a tripod. Without these, it is difficult to frame and capture the fast moving jets (although newer image stabilized lenses can certainly help increase your chances of getting good hand-held photos).

military air show

A flight demonstration which features a large refueling airplane with jets trailing behind. To get really sharp in-flight military aircraft photos requires a powerful telephoto or zoom lens. But the speed of the lens is less important these days if you shoot with a digital camera due to the ability to increase the ISO on the spot.

military aircraft pictures

Several military helicopters are shown including
the UH1Y Venom and the AH1Z Viper models.


military bases

Not all ground displays feature aircraft. This is a photograph of a M1 Abrams tank. Marines were present to answer any questions that guests might have about military equipment.


The Miramar Air Show received an award in 2007 naming it the best air show in the U.S. It is eagerly anticipated every October by a large number of southern Californians - even those who have no interest in taking military aircraft photos. And the price is definitely right ....... its free!

airplane photos

This is another World War Two era plane - the A1 Skyraider.

miramar air show

Many types of military helicopters are on display at
the air show. This is the CH-47F Chinook model.


air show photography

This interesting military jet is known as the EA-6B Prowler.


aircraft photos

A brightly painted Los Angeles County Sheriff helicopter is on display.
San Diego and Los Angeles Police also had displays at the air show.


california air shows

The C130 transport airplane is a very large plane indeed.
More aircraft hangars are shown in the background.


airplane photos

Not all airplanes on display are fighter jets or transport planes.
But all have military purpose.


I want to say many thanks to my friend Brian for his help in labeling these military aircraft. Being a pilot himself, he has a wealth of knowledge regarding airplanes of all types.

Side Note:
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Please visit more of my San Diego pages:

San Diego skyline photos

Pictures of Balboa Park

San Diego area attractions

Pictures of Sea World

Pictures of the San Diego Zoo

San Diego hotel photos

Pictures of Coronado

Pictures of La Jolla

La Jolla beach pictures

Miramar Air Show 1

Carlsbad flower fields

San Diego main page



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