Display Postponed To Thursday Due To High Winds July 4

Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield, California, collaborated with Intel to replace a traditional Independence Day fireworks display with an Intel Shooting Star drone light show involving 500 aircraft.

The display was originally scheduled for July 4, but in a statement, Intel said that the performance was postponed for one day as a result of high winds that would have interfered with drone flight. The Shooting Star drones can fly in winds up to 18 miles per hour, but the forecast called for winds over 30 mph at the time of the display. "We emphasize safety in our drone performances, including in our operations, the design of the drones, and the use of systems like geofencing and auto-land contingencies. We felt that canceling the show was the best decision under the circumstances. Our drone light show is rescheduled for 9 p.m. PDT, July 5, pending adequate weather conditions," Intel said in the release.

“We are excited to collaborate with the Travis Air Force Base to celebrate the July Fourth holiday by bringing a new form of nighttime entertainment to honor the military and their families. I am looking forward to seeing the joy and excitement that our drone light show brings to the spectators,” said Anil Nanduri, vice president and general manager of the Intel drone team.

The origins of fireworks on July Fourth dates to 1777. For the first time, an Intel Shooting Star drone light show celebrated Independence Day with an elaborate ceremony.

Travis Air Force Base is collaborating with Intel to recognize active military, veterans and participants of the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP). Travis Air Force Base has one of the largest Air Force EFMP populations. The program’s mission is to identify medical and educational service requirements of family members in support of active-duty sponsor reassignment and civilian employment overseas.

Intel said this drone light show is a more inclusive July Fourth celebration that can be enjoyed by all families, especially those with sensitives to the sounds of firework explosions.

“The story of the Air Force is a story of innovation. With Travis in close proximity to Silicon Valley, the base strives to develop relationships and to play an active role in Northern California’s innovation ecosystem,” said Col. John Klein, Travis Air Force Base installation commander. “For our 75th anniversary and as a way of saying thank you for the unprecedented community support, we wanted to treat our friends and family to a special Independence Day celebration – Intel’s vision to reimagine fireworks with cutting-edge drone technology was a natural fit for our airmen and audience.”

“While fireworks amaze audiences of all ages, there are pollution and safety concerns and the loud sound effects are sometimes unsettling to humans and animals alike,” Nanduri said. “This partnership showcases how Intel’s advanced drone technologies are making strides to positively impact the world and create new entertainment experiences for all audiences,” Intel said in a news release.

(Image provided with Intel news release)

FMI: www.intel.com