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Aviation innovation of Korean War era to be highlighted at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025

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This year marks 75 years since start of conflict

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (April 25, 2025) — The aviation innovation and technology of the Korean War era, which in this year marks 75 years since its beginning, will be highlighted at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025 on July 21-27. The 72nd edition of the Experimental Aircraft Association’s fly-in convention will be held at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

The aircraft on display will showcase the transition from piston-powered aircraft to fighter jets, and will be included in air show demonstrations and on display in Boeing Plaza and in the Warbirds area.
“While legendary World War II aircraft such as the Corsair and P-51 Mustang still were widely flown at the start of the Korean War in 1950, a new age of jets rapidly came to the front lines during that time,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of communities and member programs, who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. “It marked a permanent change in aviation technology that will be prominent at Oshkosh this year.”

Among the Korean War-era piston-powered aircraft already committed are the Corsair, P-51 Mustang, B-29 Stratofortress, AD-4 and AD-5W Skyraiders, PB4Y, and L-5. Jet aircraft committed to AirVenture include the P-80, F-84, MiG 15, MiG 17, and F-86 Sabre. This year also marks the 85th anniversary of the Corsair, the 80th anniversary of the A-1 Skyraider, and the 75th anniversary of the MiG 17.

While elements of these displays will be present throughout AirVenture week, a primary focus will be Wednesday through Friday, July 23-25, that will include air show performances by a variety of these aircraft. In addition, evening programming at EAA’s Theater in the Woods and Fly-In Theater are in development that will correspond to the commemoration of the Korean War’s 75th anniversary. More details on those programs will be announced as they are finalized.

Air Legends Foundation Lockheed Constellation returns to AirVenture 2025

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Air Legends Foundation Lockheed Constellation C-121A returns to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in 2025

Aircraft is regarded as one of most beautiful airliner designs in history

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (April 3, 2025) — The Lockheed Constellation, regarded as one of most beautiful airliner designs ever created, will return to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in 2025 for display throughout the entire week. The 72nd edition of the Experimental Aircraft Association’s annual fly-in convention is July 21-27 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

The aircraft, a C-121A model that is part of the Rod Lewis collection, is owned and maintained by the Air Legends Foundation of San Antonio, Texas, and is in military markings that reflects its time as a military transport. The airplane, named Bataan, will be displayed on AirVenture’s Boeing Plaza showcase ramp during the week.

“The rarity of flying Lockheed Constellations, along with its unforgettable triple-tail design, makes this aircraft a favorite whenever it appears at Oshkosh,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of communities and member programs, who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. “We appreciate the work of the Air Legends Foundation to bring this ‘Connie’ back to flying status and bring it to EAA AirVenture.”

Bataan was delivered to the U.S. Air Force in January 1949 to operate within the Military Air Transport Service. After being used during the Berlin Airlift to transport personnel and equipment, Bataan was converted into a VIP transport. During the Korean War, it was used as the personal transport of Gen. Douglas MacArthur, who gave it its nickname. Retired in 1965, Bataan was pulled from the boneyard by NASA in support of the Apollo program before it was decommissioned in 1970. From 1970 to 1992, the airplane resided at the U.S. Army Aviation Museum before Ed Maloney of the Planes of Fame Air Museum secured it. From 1995 to 2016, Bataan resided at Planes of Fame’s auxiliary location at Valle Airport in Arizona.

Air Legends Foundation acquired the airplane in 2015, with it being flown to Chino, California, in 2016 for restoration work, which was performed by Fighter Rebuilders. The Constellation made its first post-restoration flight in June 2023 and made its inaugural Oshkosh visit a month later. Afterward, Bataan then went to Aerometal International for its historic interior finish.

About Air Legends Foundation

https://airlegendsfoundation.com