Also: NATS-Aireon, H135 For US Navy, EmPower STC, Spidertracks-Olympic Aero Services

Oshkosh 2018 is ramping up to be an outstanding addition to an aviator’s MUST-SEE list... especially now that we’ve learned that one of the homebuilt aircraft community’s most amazing efforts is due to make an appearance.

Known as ‘Bally’s Bomber’ the third scale B-17 that has been painstakingly crafted over the course of more than 17 years is now looking to make its debut at Oshkosh, this July 23-29. The Bally Bomber for the first time last November 14th, though builder Jack Bally originally envisioned the project to require some five years or so... The result is gorgeous.... One of the seven wonders of the homebuilt aircraft world... this one requiring 25,000 rivets, and some 40,000 man-hours. One of the more intriguing offerings we’ll see at Oshkosh 2018, and undoubtedly an upcoming OSHStar, is the Chipper STOL -- a two place aircraft kit from Belite Enterprises -- which is now available with a metal wing option. This option substantially reduces build time, reduces drag, and improves performance. Application of the metal skins is bonded by the builder in a simple process which may be done in four hours per wing skin. The net weight difference adds 15 pounds to the aircraft. Sikorsky has delivered the first CH-53 King Stallion helicopter to the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC). The aircraft is the first of an expected 200 helicopters for the Marine Corps' fleet. The CH-53K is the new build replacement for the U.S. Marine Corps' aging CH-53E Super Stallion fleet. The CH-53E first flew in 1974 and entered service with the USMC in 1981. This first CH53K heavy lift helicopter will be stationed at Marine Corps Air Station New River in Jacksonville, North Carolina. All this -- and MORE in today's episode of Airborne!!!

Airborne 05.21.18 is chock full of info in this Daily News Episode, Monday, May 21st, 2018... Presented by Aero-TV veteran videographer and Airborne Hosts Brianne Cross, Christopher Odom, and Laura Hutson, and is supported by ANN CEO/Editor-In-Chief Jim Campbell, Chief Videographer Nathan Cremisino, and Aero-Journalist Tom Patton, this episode covers:

• Bally Bomber Coming to Oshkosh!
• OSHStar -- Belite Chipper Offers Metal Wing Option 
• Sikorsky Begins CH-53 Helicopter Deliveries To The USMC 
• NATS Takes Equity Stake In Aireon 
• Airbus To Offer H135 For U.S. Navy Helicopter Trainer Replacement
• FAA Awards STC For EmPower Installed In The Flight Deck 
• FAA Grants STC To Spidertracks And Olympic Aero Services 

Get Comprehensive, Real-Time, 24/7 coverage of the latest aviation and aerospace stories anytime, at aero-news.net. And be sure to join us again for the next edition of "Airborne Unlimited" here on Aero-TV. Thanks for watching. See you, again, tomorrow!

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