The Super Bowl flyover aircraft display set for Super Bowl LX will deliver one of the most powerful pregame moments of the year as eight U.S. military jets soar above Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Timed to the final note of the national anthem, this year’s formation highlights joint coordination between the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Navy, blending precision, speed, and national pride in a spectacle millions will watch live.
Fans inside the stadium and across the country can expect a dramatic aerial formation that showcases some of America’s most advanced combat aircraft. The flyover continues a long-standing Super Bowl tradition while elevating it with a rare, large-scale joint-service presence.
Get ready for a breathtaking moment in the sky that sets the tone before kickoff.
A Joint Air Force and Navy Formation
Super Bowl LX’s flyover stands out because it brings together aircraft from both the Air Force and the Navy in a coordinated eight-jet formation. This unified presentation reflects cross-branch collaboration and highlights the strength of U.S. military aviation.
The aircraft lineup includes:
- Two B-1B Lancer bombers
- Two F-15C Eagle fighters
- Two F/A-18E Super Hornets
- Two F-35C Lightning II stealth fighters
Each aircraft plays a distinct role in the formation, combining heavy bomber power with air-superiority and stealth capabilities.
The Aircraft You’ll See Overhead
B-1B Lancer
The B-1B Lancer is a long-range, supersonic bomber known for its swept wings and high payload capacity. Though primarily associated with strategic missions, its presence in ceremonial flyovers represents the reach and endurance of U.S. airpower. Seeing two B-1Bs in close formation above a packed NFL stadium will be a rare and impressive sight.
F-15C Eagle
The F-15C Eagle remains one of the most recognizable air-superiority fighters in U.S. service. Designed for speed and maneuverability, it has built a reputation for dominance in aerial combat. Its sleek design and twin vertical stabilizers make it a standout in formation flight.
F/A-18E Super Hornet
The Navy’s F/A-18E Super Hornet serves as a multi-role fighter capable of both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. Commonly deployed from aircraft carriers, the Super Hornet’s versatility and performance have made it a cornerstone of naval aviation for years.
F-35C Lightning II
The F-35C Lightning II represents the Navy’s carrier-based fifth-generation stealth fighter. Built for advanced networked warfare and reduced radar visibility, it is one of the most technologically advanced jets in the world. Its participation in the flyover highlights modern innovation alongside legacy aircraft.
Precision Timing at Levi’s Stadium
The Super Bowl flyover aircraft formation will be precisely timed to the end of the national anthem. Pilots rehearse extensively to ensure they cross directly above the stadium at the exact second the final note is sung.
Executing this maneuver requires:
- Coordinated airspace management
- Strict altitude and speed control
- Real-time communication between pilots and ground teams
- Synchronization with stadium production crews
Because the Bay Area features dense civilian air traffic, coordination is especially detailed. Military planners work alongside aviation authorities to ensure safety and efficiency while maintaining flawless timing.
Months of Planning Behind the Scenes
While the flyover lasts only seconds, the preparation spans months.
Pilots study flight routes, practice formation spacing, and review contingency procedures. Maintenance crews inspect aircraft repeatedly before departure. Operations teams analyze weather patterns and adjust planning to match real-time forecasts.
Formation flying demands extreme precision. Pilots maintain close spacing at high speeds, relying on visual cues and disciplined coordination. Even minor deviations in speed or alignment can disrupt timing over the stadium.
This preparation mirrors operational standards used in real-world missions, demonstrating the same professionalism applied in national defense scenarios.
The Meaning Behind the Moment
The Super Bowl flyover is more than a visual thrill. It serves as a tribute to service members across all branches of the armed forces.
This year’s eight-jet formation underscores unity between Air Force and Navy aviation communities. It also highlights the evolution of American airpower, pairing strategic bombers with fourth- and fifth-generation fighters in a single cohesive display.
For many viewers, the roar overhead symbolizes strength, sacrifice, and national unity at one of the country’s most widely viewed events.
What Fans Can Expect on Game Day
As the stadium quiets for the national anthem, anticipation will build. The final sustained note will cue the pilots’ precise arrival.
Fans can expect:
- A thunderous engine roar seconds before visual contact
- Tight, symmetrical eight-jet formation
- A swift, dramatic pass directly over Levi’s Stadium
- Clear visibility from multiple camera angles for television audiences
The entire moment typically lasts less than ten seconds—but it leaves a lasting impression.
Television broadcasts often capture both ground reactions and aerial angles, giving viewers a full perspective of the formation.
Continuing a Super Bowl Tradition
Flyovers have been a part of Super Bowl pregame ceremonies for decades. Over the years, different aircraft types have participated, from vintage warbirds to modern stealth platforms.
Super Bowl LX’s eight-aircraft display stands out for its scale and joint-service composition. Including two strategic bombers alongside advanced fighters is an uncommon and visually powerful combination.
The tradition connects sports, ceremony, and military heritage in one defining moment before kickoff.
Why This Year’s Formation Matters
The pairing of B-1B bombers with F-15C, F/A-18E, and F-35C fighters represents multiple generations of U.S. airpower flying together. It visually demonstrates how legacy systems and modern stealth technology operate side by side within today’s defense structure.
It also showcases geographic collaboration, as aircraft are drawn from different bases and units to create the formation.
For aviation enthusiasts, this flyover offers a rare opportunity to see such diverse platforms in synchronized flight above one of the nation’s most iconic sporting events.
A Moment That Launches the Game
Before the first snap, before the halftime show, and before championship celebrations begin, the Super Bowl flyover aircraft will command attention in a brief but unforgettable display.
The roar will echo through Levi’s Stadium. The formation will slice across the California sky. And in that instant, tradition, teamwork, and technology will converge above millions of fans.
What are your thoughts on this year’s eight-jet flyover? Share your reaction and stay tuned for more updates as Super Bowl LX approaches.