A few more from Sun N Fun
Tag Archives: experimental aircraft
‘YEAR OF THE FIGHTER’ BRINGS CLASSIC WARBIRDS AND MODERN JETS TO EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH 2019
‘YEAR OF THE FIGHTER’
USAF and Air Combat Command working with EAA on aircraft demonstrations
EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (March 29, 2019) — A roster of the most legendary American military aircraft in history, from iconic World War II airplanes to today’s most sophisticated flying machines, will be flying and on display this summer at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2019. The 67th annual Experimental Aircraft Association fly-in convention will be held July 22-28 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
EAA’s activities are being planned in conjunction with the U.S. Air Force Air Combat Command, the EAA Warbirds of America, and individual aircraft owners. The activities will take place throughout the week, with some special programs designated for particular days during AirVenture’s seven-day run.
Among the events involving past and present military aircraft are:
- Aircraft from the USAF Air Combat Command, ranging from fighters such as the F-15, F-16, F-22, and F-35, as well as the A-10 attack aircraft;
- The first Oshkosh appearance of the unique XP-82 Twin Mustang, which has been under restoration in Georgia;
- A salute to World War II ace Bud Anderson, with every flying P-51 in the U.S. invited to Oshkosh to participate;
- A gathering of U.S. Navy fighter aircraft, including F4U Corsairs, the unique gullwing fighters that were a key asset in the Pacific Theater;
- Observance of the 75th anniversary of D-Day, with aircraft that participated in the actual invasion on June 6, 1944, as well as C-47 airplanes that will have just returned from a historic anniversary flight to France;
- U.S. Air Force Heritage Flights and U.S. Navy Legacy Flights involving historic and modern aircraft in formation, highlighting the legacy and evolution of military aircraft.
“Oshkosh is known for being a collection of aircraft and people that is unmatched anywhere in the world, and that will again be the case in 2019,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of communities and member programs, who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. “We are grateful to the U.S. Air Force and the Air Combat Command for their assistance and to the EAA Warbirds of America to make possible these kinds of activities, for which AirVenture is known and eagerly anticipated each year.”
More details, such as arrival and flight days for specific aircraft, as well as forums and evening programs, will be announced as they are finalized.
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.
DRONE SHOWS TO LIGHT UP THE SKIES OVER LAKELAND DURING SUN ‘n FUN
For Immediate Release
February 11, 2019
Lakeland, FL: You saw them at the Olympics, and most recently at the Super Bowl. Now, airshow fans at the annual SUN ‘n FUN International Fly-In and Expo in Lakeland can look forward to something special – the first public drone light show performance at a Florida airshow. Over 60 of the specialized aerial robots will lift off together, taking flight twice during the week-long event. SUN ‘n FUN organizers are confident that this dazzling multi-colored aerial light display set to music, dubbed the “Star Dance Spectacular,” will be one of this year’s most memorable highlights.
“Drones are the latest in aviation technology, and it’s exciting to have a display like this to showcase just one of the incredible uses for them,” said Greg Gibson, Airshow Director for SUN ‘n FUN. “A drone light show has been on the top of our request list from the fans, and we are very proud to bring this cutting-edge demonstration to our audiences.
The science behind the spectacle is even more impressive than the twinkling, shape-shifting scenes played out against the backdrop of night. It can take up to three months to program the complex interactions and movements of so many drones that must move simultaneously while accounting for wind, humidity, and other factors. Great Lakes Drone Company, who produces the exhibition, is one of only a very few companies in the world capable of putting on drone performances of this scale. SUN ‘n FUN’s Aerospace Center for Excellence (ACE), their STEM-based education complex, provides the perfect venue for this type of 21st century presentation, and an exhibit area on the ground will be part of the overall experience for show-goers.
“SUN ‘n FUN is a world wonder of aerial entertainment, and we are honored to bring our technology to this legendary show,” said Matthew Quinn, president of Great Lakes Drone Company. “One of our key goals is to partner in communities to further aerospace education, and the award-winning programs at ACE is a perfect fit. Not only will we perform at SUN ’n FUN with our aerial night shows, but during the day we will feature STEM education in our exhibit and have a few other special surprises we can’t wait to announce in the weeks to come.”
The SUN ‘n FUN “Star Dance Spectacular” will take place during the night airshows that begin at 7:30 PM on Wednesday, April 3rd and Saturday, April 6th. The performance will be the closing act following a dazzling array of breathtaking performances and pyrotechnics by some of the world’s most renowned aerial artists.
About SUN ‘n FUN Fly-In, Inc.:
SUN ‘n FUN Fly-In is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit whose mission is to preserve and enhance the future of flight through world-class events, inspiring and educating people of all ages. Year round events, including the SUN ‘n FUN International Fly-In and Expo which is one of the world’s largest of its kind, raise funds for the Aerospace Center for Excellence (ACE). SUN ‘n FUN Fly-In annually raises over $2M for ACE enabling the delivery of STEM-related and aerospace education programs engaging over 35,000 youth each year. Additionally, ACE manages and allocates up to $445K/year in aerospace scholarships. For more information, www.flysnf.org.