Aviation Innovation of Korean War Era to be Highlighted at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 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. 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 committed are the Corsair, P-51 Mustang, B-29 Superfortress, 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.

Kim Stevens

Kim Stevens is the publisher of State Aviation Journal, which he founded in 2009. A longtime commercial-rated pilot, he was introduced to state aviation in 1992 as Director of the Nebraska Department of Aeronautics, later serving as Deputy Division Director for the Arizona Department of Transportation's Aeronautics Division. From 2013 to 2018, he was Director of Communications and Operations for the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) in Washington, D.C. Relocating to North Carolina, Kim worked for the Raleigh-Durham International Airport for two years and now concentrates solely on the Journal. Prior to his aviation career, Kim spent a decade in the newspaper and magazine business.