Category Archives: experimental aircraft

ONE-OF-A-KIND FORD ‘F-22 RAPTOR’ F-150 TRUCK AUCTIONED TO SUPPORT EAA YOUTH EDUCATION WORK

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Truck offers unique opportunity at EAA’s Gathering of Eagles on July 27
EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (June 29, 2017) — Ford Motor Company is again supporting EAA’s youth aviation programs by auctioning a one-of-a-kind vehicle, but this year with a new twist — the creation of a specially built “F-22 Raptor” F-150 Raptor for EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2017.
The truck will be put up for bid during the annual EAA Gathering of Eagleson Thursday, July 27. EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2017, the 65th annual Experimental Aircraft Association fly-in convention, is July 24-30 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
“Ford’s support of EAA and AirVenture has allowed thousands of young people to discover, enjoy, and pursue aviation,” said Dave Chaimson, EAA’s vice president of marketing and business development. “The unique F-22 version of the tremendously popular Ford F-150 Raptor truck will be an enormously popular highlight of the Gathering of Eagles auction, and we’re very grateful for Ford’s support for our initiatives.”
The modification of a 2017 Ford F-150 Raptoris led by Ford design manager Melvin Betancourt with engineering led by the Ford Performance Team. The goal was to strive for a creative connection to the Lockheed F-22 Raptor fighter aircraft while highlighting the unique style, capabilities, and design features of the 2017 F-150 Raptor.
Among the modifications to the truck are a twin-turbo, Whipple intercooled, high-output EcoBoost engine, along with enhancements to the suspension, wheels, brakes and lighting. The F-150 Raptor also features a purpose-built audio system and interior modifications. It is the latest in a series of Ford specialty vehicles that have to date raised more than $3 million for EAA’s youth aviation initiatives.
“This F-150 Raptor is a new look at Ford’s tradition of building unique vehicles in support of EAA’s youth aviation programs,” Betancourt said. “We know this truck will create an unmatched buzz around this year’s Gathering of Eagles auction.”
Attendees at the Gathering of Eagles are eligible to bid on the F-150 Raptor, as are those prequalified to bid by phone during the sale. For more information, contact EAA’s development office at (800) 236-1025 or at gathering@eaa.org.
EAA’s Gathering of Eagles is held annually at the EAA Aviation Museum, drawing more than 1,000 aviation enthusiasts who support the aviators, engineers, and flight professionals of tomorrow. The event has drawn such personalities as actors Harrison Ford, John Travolta, and Morgan Freemen, sports luminaries Ken Griffey Jr. and Jack Roush, and aviation legends such as astronauts Jim Lovell and Frank Borman.
About EAA AirVenture Oshkosh

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is the “World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration” and EAA’s yearly membership convention. Additional EAA AirVenture information, including advance ticket and camping purchase, is available online at www.eaa.org/airventure. EAA members receive lowest prices on admission rates. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 1-800-JOIN-EAA (1-800-564-6322) or visit www.eaa.org. Immediate news is available at www.twitter.com/EAA. 

SCALED COMPOSITES BRINGS TECHNOLOGY, INNOVATION AND TRADITION TO EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH 2017

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Legendary aviation innovators return with aircraft, extensive forums schedule
EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (June 1, 2017) — Scaled Composites of Mojave, California, a historic name for aircraft and spacecraft appearing at Oshkosh for more than four decades, is returning to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in 2017 with aircraft, an extensive forums schedule, and opportunities for those who are seeking to be part of next-generation innovations.
The 65th annual Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) fly-in convention is July 24-30 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
While Scaled Compositesis known for its Burt Rutan-founded legacy with projects such as Voyager,Boomerang, SpaceShipOne, and others over the past 40 years, its return to Oshkosh in 2017 is focusing on future goals and projects that encompass both aviation and space. Those projects include the massive Stratolaunchaircraft that was rolled out of its hangar for the first time on May 31.
“Scaled Composites is linked to EAA and Oshkosh as few other companies are, and we welcome them back to the flightline,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of communities and member benefits who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. “As notable as its legacy is, it is Scaled’s future projects that tie perfectly with the innovation and forward thinking that are always a part of EAA AirVenture.”
Scaled Composites will have a full exhibit in the forums area, as well as more than 30 scheduled forums by its engineers, technicians, and leaders throughout the week. Along with that, Scaled’s unique high-altitude Proteus aircraft that first appeared at Oshkosh in 1999 will return. The company will also be talking with those interested in joining Scaled as it develops the latest concepts that are part of its future.
“We’ve always been a company focused on discovery and pushing limits,” said Bob Withrow, Vice President of Engineering at Scaled Composites. “We are looking for folks who are passionate, creative, and love to be challenged. There is no better place than Oshkosh to re-introduce ourselves to those who know us from our incredible legacy, and to connect with those who want to be a part of the next big thing.”
The exact schedule of Scaled Composites forums and activities will be announced as it is finalized in the coming weeks.
About EAA AirVenture Oshkosh
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is the “World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration” and EAA’s yearly membership convention. Additional EAA AirVenture information, including advance ticket and camping purchase, is available online at www.eaa.org/airventure. EAA members receive lowest prices on admission rates. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 1-800-JOIN-EAA (1-800-564-6322) or visit www.eaa.org. Immediate news is available at www.twitter.com/EAA.
About Scaled Composites
Scaled Composites was founded by Burt Rutan in 1983 in Mojave, California. Scaled is a specialty composites company focusing on designing, building, and testing proof-of-concept demonstrators and prototype aircraft. For more information about Scaled, visit www.scaled.com or follow us on Twitter, IG, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

B-29, C-47 D-DAY AIRCRAFT HIGHLIGHT COMMEMORATIVE AIR FORCE GROUP AT EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH 2017

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B-17, A-26, B-25s among other warbird aircraft coming to Oshkosh
EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (May 19, 2017) — Some of the World War II era’s most significant military aircraft that have been restored and preserved by the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) will be among the highlights of the annual warbird gathering at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2017. The 65th annual Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) fly-in convention is July 24-30 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.
Among the airplanes coming to Oshkosh is the Boeing B-29 FIFI, which will join the world’s only other flying B-29 bomber, Doc, on the flight line for the first appearance of multiple B-29s in more than 50 years. In addition, CAF B-25 bombers will appear as part of the 75th anniversary of the famed Doolittle Raid of April 1942.
“While more than 300 vintage military aircraft at Oshkosh each year create the world’s largest annual warbird gathering, the CAF has been at the forefront of restoring and preserving many marvelous examples of flying history,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of communities and member benefits who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. “At AirVenture, visitors can see the airplanes in the air and on ground display, and also learn more about the aircraft from the people who own and fly them.”
While at AirVenture, the B-29 FIFIwill be available for flights on July 26-27, based from Appleton, Wisconsin. More information is available at CAF’s Air Power History Tourwebsite. At other times, the aircraft will be displayed at Oshkosh for cockpit and aircraft tours.
Other CAF aircraft on display at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh include:
·         C-47 That’s All Brother, the airplane that led the D-Day invasion and is under restoration in Oshkosh
·         B-17 Texas Raiders
·         A-26 Invader twin-engine bomber
·         B-25s Miss Mitchell and Devil Dog, part of the Doolittle Raid 75th anniversary commemoration.
“The Commemorative Air Force is again excited to bring a number of our aircraft to Oshkosh for The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration,” said Stephan Brown, Commemorative Air Force president. “These airplanes represent an outstanding tribute to the men and women who gave dedicated themselves and sacrificed to preserve our freedom.”
Many of the CAF aircraft will also participate in the EAA AirVenture daily afternoon air shows, including the warbird extravaganzas that take place throughout the week.

About EAA AirVenture Oshkosh
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is the “World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration” and EAA’s yearly membership convention. Additional EAA AirVenture information, including advance ticket and camping purchase, is available online at www.eaa.org/airventure. EAA members receive lowest prices on admission rates. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 1-800-JOIN-EAA (1-800-564-6322) or visit www.eaa.org. Immediate news is available at www.twitter.com/EAA.

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