Portugal Air Summit Blends Airshow with Air Racing

The Portugal Air Summit takes off next week at the Ponte de Sor Municipal Airfield, located in central Portugal. From May 24 through 27, the show will feature a variety of aviation exhibits and air shows, including Unmanned Aircraft Systems. About 60 aerial displays will be performed, including airplanes, drones and other radio-controlled (RC) vehicles.

The Summit will feature a host of presentations and panel discussions focused on sustainability, the future of commercial aviation and the incorporation of unmanned aerial vehicles into controlled airspace. A 64,500-foot tent will house vendors and an exterior deck area to provide a comfortable space to watch the air show.

In addition to discussions, aviation exhibits and traditional air show performances, the Portugal Air Summit will incorporate the Air Race Championship (ARC), with two race classes battling it out around a pylon course, not unlike the National Championship Air Races in Reno, Nevada, and a third demo class that is reminiscent of the Red Bull Air Race. Eight Soviet Yak-50/52 airplanes will race the pylon course in the Vintage Class while the Sport Class will include eight Vans RV airplanes. The Extreme Class will feature aerobatic airplanes flying a chicane course.

A live band, Sgt. Wilson’s Army Show, will provide entertainment during the four-day event, playing music from the 1940s and 50s. Admission to the event is free.