EAA Airventure Oshkosh 2023
As the sun sets on another summer, aviation enthusiasts and industry professionals can reflect on the experiments, remarkable aircraft, and educational opportunities that defined EAA AirVenture 2023. A record 677,000 visitors descended upon the airport, while a total of 21,883 aircraft converged on the area from July 20 through 30 alone. This year's main theme was the 50th anniversary of the end of direct U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War. During the week, acts from across the country such as the B52, A1 Skyraider, Mig 17, and a U2 paid tribute to the anniversary, alongside ground displays of a C123K Thunderpig, P3 Orion, F4U Corsair, C1A Trader, C5 Galaxy, AC-47 Spooky, KC-135, CH-47 Chinook, UH-1 Huey, MH-6 Little Bird, and arguably the coolest aircraft on display, the C-121A Constellation “Bataan."
Another theme this year was the Air Education and Training Command (ATEC), which not only emphasized flying demonstrations such as the KC135 and C17 but also featured static displays like a C130, T1 Jayhawk, T38 Talon, and T6 Texan II. "The Air Force's Education and Training Command has a much wider reach than even most aviation enthusiasts would imagine, which makes AirVenture an outstanding location to highlight all of the command's capabilities," said Rick Larsen, EAA's vice president of communities and member programs.
This year, AirVenture hosted numerous 4th and 5th generation aircraft such as the F22 Raptor, F35C Lightning II, EA-18 Growler, and FA-18 Rhino. Although AirVenture's airspace doesn't include aerobatics, each demo had unique features that truly showcased the AirPower the U.S. possesses.
For many, the star of the show was the F22 Raptor Demo, demonstrating its 5th Generation capabilities. Captain Samuel "RaZZ" Larson, this year's Raptor Demonstration pilot, tore through the skies, proving how worthy the Raptor actually is. He performed on 5 out of 6 show days, which was absolutely incredible to witness. RaZZ also showcased the tactical pitch twice throughout the week with pyrotechnics, or better known as a simulated bomb drop.
The Wisconsin Air National Guard also presented a standstill demo on Friday, showcasing the capabilities of the 128th Air Refueling Wing, the 115th Fighter Wing, the 128th Air Control Squadron, and the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team. This demo proved to be, for many, the only opportunity civilians would have to witness what these military units train for day in and day out for our country. A KC-135, accompanied by two F35A Lightning II aircraft, performed a mock mid-air refueling, along with air support. The 32nd Brigade, consisting of 4 Blackhawks, offloaded troops to defend the area, while another 2 provided close air support with the F35s.
Saturday's twilight show was one for the history books. The F22 was first up on the schedule for fighter acts, which demonstrated nothing less than sheer incredibility. From the full afterburner takeoff to the not-so-normal routine, RaZZ made it clear he wanted to show off his jet for us in the picturesque golden lighting. Next up was Jared Isaacman in the Mig 29, along with Randy Ball in the Mig 17. Both Isaacman and Ball performed afterburner passes above the crowd before coming in for two formation passes, showing off the beautiful paint jobs both jets have.
Oshkosh, for me, is always the place each July where I know I can just sit back, relax, spend time with family and friends, meet our amazing military members, and be able to express the passion us av geeks have. Oshkosh does so much more for me than just an airshow; it's more or less a part of the family that, in 30 years, you look back on and just feel the sense of pride knowing that you're there to express your passion with the world.
Check out more photos below!
