A variety of classic military jets, including the North American T-2 Buckeye (pictured above), are among the hundreds of Warbirds to be showcased at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2010, July 26-Aug. 1. Other jets scheduled to appear are a North American F-86 Sabre, Douglas A-4B Skyhawk, Lockheed T-33 T-bird, Aero L-29 Delfin and L-39 Albatros, Cessna T-37 Tweet (pictured below), as well as the debut of a civilian-flown British Sea Harrier at AirVenture.
The T-2 Buckeye, which first flew in 1958, served as a jet trainer aircraft produced for the U.S. Navy to conduct basic jet flight training for future Navy and Marine Corps aviators. The aircraft helped train more than 11,000 students from 1959 to 2004, after which it was replaced by the McDonnell Douglas T-45 Goshawk. The Buckeye was officially retired in 2008.
The two-place, high-performance T-2 Buckeye was used for a wide variety of pilot training, from a student’s first jet flight to fully qualified flight. The aircraft was used for teaching a wide range of skills, including high-altitude, high-speed formation and aerobatic flights; basic and radio instruments; night and day navigation; and gunnery, bombing and carrier operations.
“These legendary jets were innovators in the air, laying the foundation for today’s high-powered military aircraft,” said Bill Fischer, Warbirds of America executive director.
And they’ll be on display at Scotts Warbird Alley, AeroShell Square and the jet line periodically throughout the week as part of the week-long “Salute to Veterans” commemoration, and will be the featured attraction during the afternoon air show on Thursday, July 29.
The McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II also is scheduled to fly over the AirVenture grounds, but will be staged at a nearby airport.
For more information: AirVenture.org
