President Trump’s Fourth of July “Salute to America” will feature an amped-up fireworks show, a wide range of military hardware, and a speech from the commander in chief himself.
The event, to be held on the National Mall, has sparked a debate between those who see it as an inappropriate militarization of a national holiday and those who believe it’s an opportunity to promote patriotism. Whatever side viewers fall on, here are some of the military vehicles they can expect to see:
M1 Abrams tank
The inclusion of two M1 Abrams battle tanks in the event has been the focal point of the debate. Critics say showcasing tanks is something you’d be more likely to see in a banana republic than in a democratic nation. Supporters, who think the criticism is an overreaction, say the tanks could bolster the Army.
The Abrams has been the backbone of the Army’s armor corps for nearly four decades and is the service’s only main-battle tank in use. It weighs approximately 62 tons and features a 120 mm smooth bore gun, a .50 caliber heavy machine gun, and two M240 machine guns. It can travel up to 45 miles per hour on roads. Newer models are slightly heavier and feature depleted uranium armor.
The two tanks will be on stationary display during the event due to concerns they could damage city streets.
M2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle
At least two Bradley Fighting Vehicles will reportedly be featured on the Fourth. Occasionally mistaken for tanks themselves, Bradleys weigh just under 28 tons and have a smaller 25 mm M242 Bushmaster gun, a TOW anti-tank missile, and a single M240 machine gun. They have been in service since 1981 and involved in several major conflicts, including in Iraq and Afghanistan.
B-2 stealth bomber
First introduced in 1997, the B-2 stealth bomber was one of the most secretive government programs in U.S. history. It is easily recognizable due to its distinctive V shape and dark exterior. The B-2 is practically impervious to enemy radar, giving U.S. forces a distinct advantage against adversaries. Its bomb bay can hold 40,000 pounds of ordnance.
F-35 Joint Strike Fighter
Depending who you ask, the F-35 is either the most capable fighter in the U.S. fleet or a giant waste of money. The entire program is expected to cost $1.5 trillion during its 55-year life span, making it the most expensive weapon ever. The F-35 is extremely stealthy and features a state-of-the-art electronics package that literally allows a pilot to see through it. The Air Force, Marine Corps, and Navy all have their own models sporting different armaments and capabilities.
F-22 Raptor
The F-22 fighter plane was introduced to the Air Force fleet in 2005. Like the F-35, it was designed to be stealthy. Unlike the F-35, it was designed with one purpose in mind: shooting down enemy aircraft, a task at which it seems to be pretty good. The F-22 is armed with a 20 mm cannon and can be outfitted with six AIM-120 missiles and two AIM-9 sidewinders for air superiority missions, or two AIM-120s, two sidewinders, and two 1,000-pound bombs, or eight 250-pound bombs for air-to-ground missions. The aircraft saw its first combat sorties in Syria in 2014, when F-22s were used to drop 1,000-pound smart bombs in the opening of Operation Inherent Resolve, the U.S.-led campaign against the Islamic State.
The new Marine One
The newest version of the president’s helicopter will make its first public appearance at “Salute to America.” Known as the VH-92, the latest Marine One is being produced by Lockheed Martin and Sikorsky.
Air Force One
The president’s iconic personal aircraft will appear at the event. Technically, any aircraft the president is traveling on is referred to as Air Force One, but a modified Boeing 747 is commonly associated with the term. What differentiates Air Force One from a typical 747 is still a closely guarded secret.
F/A-18 Hornet
The Navy’s famous Blue Angels demonstration team will exhibit their aerial prowess on the Fourth. The Angels currently fly F/A-18 Hornets, the Navy’s premier fighter and attack aircraft. Introduced in 1984, a Hornet can carry a wide array of missiles and bombs.
