Advanced Fighters Will Wow Crowds Even More For 2007

We had a funny feeling the US Air Force's recent plans to showcase its F-22 Raptor fighter at aerial events wouldn't go unheeded by the folks at the Experimental Aircraft Association -- especially after the brief, but jaw-dropping, aerial display put on by two of the birds last year. Sure enough, on Wednesday the EAA told Aero-News the Raptor will be center-stage during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2007.

Two of the airplanes will arrive at Wittman Regional Airport with an aerial performance on July 26, and at least one aircraft will fly an aerial demonstration each afternoon on Friday through Sunday, July 27-29. At other times, the F-22s will be parked on the AeroShell Square showcase ramp for public display.

"Last year, EAA AirVenture attendees got just a brief glimpse of the F-22's capabilities during a short visit to Oshkosh," said Tom Poberezny, EAA president and AirVenture chairman. "That limited aerial display was one of the most memorable events of the 2006 fly-in, however, and led to many member requests to bring the Raptors back for an extended stay. We're very pleased to welcome them back for four days, especially as it coincides with EAA's commemoration of the US Air Force's 60th anniversary in 2007."

As Aero-News reported earlier this week, many of the aerial maneuvers that will be displayed throughout the year are new, and were discovered and refined during flight tests and simulated aerial combat.

They have unique names such as the "Mongo Flip," "J-turn," and "Pedal Turn," which showcase the unprecedented agility of the aircraft. Extreme slow-speed passes and maneuvers such as "The Cobra" are also part of the demonstrations.

The 55th annual edition of the EAA Fly-In convention will be held July 23-29.

FMI: www.airventure.org