EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2017: Boeing Plaza - Massive Movers

The Aero Experience

By Fred Harl

coverage of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2017 continues with a look at more massive movers on display in Boeing Plaza.  Boeing aircraft were prominently featured in the lineup, along with the relatively new Airbus A400M that has found its way to several airshows in the U.S. this year.    

The EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2017 salute to women in aviation included the display of a UPS Boeing 767 flown by an all-woman crew on Wednesday, WomenVenture Day. Pictured here is the aircraft and the flight crew, Alyse Adkins and Stacey Bie.

Another Boeing aircraft was this KC-135R Stratotanker from the 128th Air Refueling Wing, Wisconsin Air National Guard.  The unit's tankers provide in-flight refueling services in the U.S. and when deployed around the world.  The unit has performed the aerial refueling mission since 1962, and flew the KC-97 until receiving KC-135s in 1977. 

The Navy's newest maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft, the Boeing P-8A Poseidon, was also a popular attraction in Boeing Plaza.  In it's first few years of service, the Poseidon is progressing toward reaching full operational capability and replacing the venerable Lockheed P-3C Orion class aircraft. This aircraft is from VP-30 at NAS Jacksonville, FL. 

The last large military aircraft featured here, the Airbus A400M Atlas turboprop strategic transport, is reaching initial operational capability with several European and middle eastern air forces. The aircraft is making appearances at U.S. airshows this year, with this A400M coming from the Royal Air Force's 70 Squadron based at RAF Brize Norton.