DAYTON, Ohio — The US Air Force unveiled the latest edition of its popular Heritage Flight at the Dayton Air Show this weekend, including for the first time a MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aircraft.

According to Air Combat Command Public Affairs Officer Capt. A.J. Schrag, "The mission of the Heritage Flight is to present the evolution of USAF air power by flying today's state-of-the-art aircraft in close formation with vintage ones, including iconic platforms like the P-51 Mustang, F-86 Sabre and the F-22 Raptor."

"Now," Shrag said, "all flyovers, funerals, and special ceremonies featuring the unit will be treated to a view of the future in aerial technology."

Air Force Capt. Jimmy “Joystick” Whittaker, the veteran drone fighter pilot selected to fly the prestigious aircraft, explained the rationale behind the decision.