Virgin Galactic VMS Mothership "Eve"

Airbus A380

Lockheed P-38 "Ruff Stuff"

In the aviation world, if it has flown, is flying, or will fly, odds are that it will come to Oshkosh. That's true again this summer, as the world of flight gathers at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, "The World's Greatest Aviation Celebration," on July 27-August 2. This year's unmatched collection of aircraft includes the cutting edge of technology (Virgin Galactic's VMS Mothership "Eve" space carrier vehicle) to the enormous (Airbus A380) to the historic (1909 Wright B Flyer replica) and everything in between.

"People who participate in air shows and aviation events around the world tell us the same thing - there is no place else that matches Oshkosh's collection of aircraft that gather on these grounds each year," said Tom Poberezny, EAA president and AirVenture chairman. "From the hundreds of homebuilt aircraft and magnificent vintage restorations on the grounds, to current military technology and the latest the aviation industry has to offer, EAA AirVenture is the place where it all comes together to discover and explore."

More than 2,500 showplanes, including hundreds of warbirds, arrive at Oshkosh each year. In many cases, the owners, builders and pilots of these unique aircraft participate in the nearly 1,000 forums, presentations and workshops that take place during AirVenture week. Attendees can ask questions and learn more at these forums, which are included in all AirVenture admissions.

Just a few of the highlight aircraft at EAA AirVenture this year include:

• Virgin Galactic VMS Mothership "Eve" (July 27-August 1): Born as "WhiteKnightTwo," VMS Eve is the next generation of civilian space carrier vehicles
• Airbus A380 (July 28-31): The world's largest passenger airliner, which will also be open for public tours during its stay in Oshkosh
• Erickson S-64F Aircrane Helitanker "Elvis": A heavy-duty, twin-engine firefighting helicopter that will make aerial displays
• 1934 Klemm mission aircraft and Comper Swift (all week): Shipped from Australia, these airplanes are associated with the "Fly4Life" public-benefit aviation program
• U.S. Customs/Border Protection Predator B (all week): The latest unmanned aerial platform technology that will be on display at the Federal Pavilion all week
• U.S Air Force C-5M (July 31-August 2): The newest upgrade of the USAF's huge cargo aircraft
• Avro Lancaster bomber (July 27-31): A classic World War II bomber in Oshkosh to help celebrate the 100th anniversary of flight in Canada
• Silver Dart replica (all week): A faithful re-creation of the aircraft that made the first flight in Canada back in 1909
• 1909 Wright B Flyer replica (all week): A flying example of the Wright brothers' second-generation aircraft, direct from Dayton, Ohio
• U.S. Air Force "Thunderbirds" F-16 (July 26-27): One of many current military fighters expected to attend Oshkosh this year
• Lockheed P-38 "Ruff Stuff": A rare flying example of the World War II aircraft that changed the tide of the war in the Pacific Theater
• Japanese "Zero" and German Messerschmitt ME109: Vintage warbirds rarely seen in the U.S.
• 1932 Pitcairn PA-18 Autogiro: The world's only flying example of this forerunner of the modern helicopter
• Electric aircraft/"Flying Cars": The latest technologies from a variety of companies showcasing what's ahead
• Grimes Flying Lab: One-of-a-kind airplane that played a key role in aircraft lighting development

There are also anniversaries for the Pietenpol homebuilt (80th), T-28 warbirds (60th), Cessna 150 (50th) and others, with a comprehensive listing at www.airventure.org/attractions/aircraft.html.

"Everyone has a particular favorite aircraft along the flight line at Oshkosh," Poberezny said. "It's part of the reason EAA AirVenture truly is aviation's annual family reunion."