Highlights From EAA AirVenture 2018

If a Yakovlev Yak-55 can perform world-class aerobatics, two joined together should do twice as well? No, but it is twice as impressive, especially with a 3,000-lb.-thrust General Electric CJ610-6 turbofan strapped beneath the center section.

Dell Coller of John Klatt Airshows and championship aerobatic pilot Jeff Boerboon found two Yak-55s in good condition and joined them with a new center section. Hence the Yak-110 (two Yak-55s). Power comes from two original Vedeneyev M14P nine-cylinder radials that each produce 360 hp.

With all engines at max power, the Yak-110 exhibits astonishing performance, especially in the vertical. A favorite trick is to hover vertically—stopped in midair—and then accelerate away vertically. Although there are two cockpits, the Yak-110 is flown from only one of them.

One could be forgiven for thinking Airbus brought its brand-new A220 (formerly the Bombardier CS100) to Oshkosh just to be the star of Boeing Plaza, the main display area sponsored by Boeing. On the other hand, Airbus likes to point out that the A220 will be assembled in the U.S., in Alabama, alongside the plant for the A320 series. 

Another trimotor making its first appearance at Oshkosh was Honeywell’s Boeing 757 flying testbed, with a TPE331-14 turboprop powering a Hartzell five-blade composite propeller mounted on its fuselage pylon.

Honeywell’s flying testbed sports its first turboprop. Previously it has been used to evaluate turbofan engines. The aircraft also is used for equipment and avionics testing.

The B-29 Superfortress “Doc” returned to Oshkosh after its star performance last year. The world’s second flying B-29 was cleared last week to give rides to paying passengers. Prices for a 30-min. flight range from $600 to $1,500 and, just like the airlines, the expensive seats are up front.

This is how the A-26K "Special Kay" would have looked to the Viet Cong truckers on the Ho Chi Minh Trail.

B-25 "Devil Dog" represents a PBJ, the Marine Corps version of the bomber but with a solid nose packed with up to eight .50-caliber machine guns, or in some versions, a 75mm cannon.

Pre-World War II DC-32 "Candler Field Express" brought a load of passengers to the show and was useful throughout in providing shade and shelter to the crowds.