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The Predator — an unmanned, remotely controlled aircraft aiding U.S. soldiers in current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan — is scheduled to be on display for the first time at this year's Joint Services Open House.

Visitors to the annual air show, hosted this weekend by Joint Base Andrews, can examine the Predator and speak with service men and women who operate the aircraft.

"They'll be able to learn about one of the latest pieces of equipment in the military's arsenal," said Robert Yarbrough, the show's director.

This year marks the first Joint Services Open House since Andrews Air Force Base was renamed Joint Base Andrews, a symbol of the expanded operations housed there under the federal government's Base Realignment and Closure process.

Although the air show has always featured aircraft from the Air Force, Army, Navy and other branches of the military, 316th Wing spokeswoman Katie Spencer said this year's show will highlight what it means to be a "Joint Base."

At most other air shows, she said, there is usually only aircraft representing Air Force operations. But from the Navy's Blue Angels flight team to the Army's Golden Knights Parachute Team, this year's show will show "more of a coalition of forces," Spencer said.

In fact, those performances are the headliner events this year, Yabrough said.

The Blue Angels are Navy Marine Corps service members who perform precision maneuvers in their jets, while the Golden Angels are Army service members who use parachutes to create various formations mid-air. Members of the Golden Angels will also have cameras attached to their helmets, and their view from above will be displayed on a large screen for attendees, Yarbrough said.

Besides the Predator display, Yarbrough said another first for the open house is a scheduled mock dogfight between a Soviet-era fighter plane and 1960s-era Argentinean craft, known respectively as "the red star" and the "dragon."

"They've been to our show before, but it's been a static display and parked," he said. This year, "it's an up close and personal view of the real fighter pilot thing."

The event is only open to Department of Defense cardholders, retirees and students on a school trip on Friday, but the general public is invited on Saturday and Sunday.

Attendance is free, which Yarbrough said he hoped would attract families trying to watch their budget.

"It's a great opportunity to spend a day out seeing the latest pieces of equipment in their military," he said. "It's a great way to spend a day-cation."

About a dozen other aerial displays are also scheduled to perform throughout the weekend, and various other military aircraft representing the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard will also be on display.

Visitors will not be allowed to drive directly onto the base. A free shuttle will transport people to and from FedEx Field, where parking will be available. A shuttle will also be taking people to and from the Branch Avenue Metro rail station.

Yarbrough encouraged visitors to check the air show's website for a list of items that are not allowed on base, such as large backpacks, weapons and food.

IF YOU GO

When: Gates open at 8 a.m. and events are scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday

Where: Joint Base Andrews, Camp Springs (Shuttle service available from Branch Avenue Metro rail station and FedEx Field)

Admission: Free

Information: Visit www.jsoh.org or call 301-981-4600.

E-mail Zoe Tillman at ztillman@gazette.net.