Vertigo Airshows, Bob Carlton
The Performer
Vertigo Airshows delivers one of the most technically unique and visually striking performances on today’s airshow circuit. Led by veteran airshow pilot Bob Carlton, Vertigo Airshows blends the elegance of soaring flight with the raw performance of jet propulsion—creating an experience unlike any other civilian aerial demonstration.
Carlton is widely regarded as one of the most versatile performers in North American airshows. Flying professionally since the early 1990s, his background spans hang gliders, sailplanes, airplanes, helicopters, and experimental jet aircraft. He is a long‑standing member of both the Soaring Society of America (SSA) and the International Council of Air Shows (ICAS), reflecting decades of experience at the highest level of professional aviation entertainment.
Based in Moriarty, New Mexico, Vertigo Airshows operates under Desert Aerospace, LLC, where Carlton also contributes as a test pilot and technical consultant for advanced jet and sailplane development. This engineering‑focused foundation is central to what makes the Vertigo Airshows performance so distinctive.
The Aircraft: Jet‑Powered Sailplanes
Vertigo Airshows is best known for its jet‑powered sailplanes—gliders modified with turbine engines to deliver sustained thrust while preserving the efficiency and agility of soaring flight.
Super Salto Jet Sailplane
The Super Salto forms the foundation of Vertigo’s daytime and night performances. Capable of extreme low‑level aerobatics, the aircraft executes loops, rolls, hammerheads, vertical climbs, and sustained inverted flight—maneuvers rarely associated with gliders. The addition of jet propulsion allows for precise energy control and repeatable maneuvers directly in front of the crowd.
FoxJet Twin‑Engine Sailplane
A major evolution of the act is the FoxJet, a twin‑engine jet sailplane developed by Desert Aerospace and flown exclusively by Vertigo Airshows. With two PBS TJ‑100 turbine engines, the FoxJet delivers greater power, climb performance, and aerobatic capability than any sailplane currently flying airshows. Despite the added thrust, the aircraft retains graceful handling characteristics, blending power with precision.
Awards and Recognition
Bob Carlton’s contributions to airshow performance and innovation have been widely recognized within the aviation community, including:
Art Scholl Memorial Showmanship Award
Bill Barber Award for Showmanship
Soaring Society of America President’s Award
These honors underline Vertigo Airshows’ reputation for creativity, professionalism, and sustained excellence.
