EAA AirVenture 09: International Visitors Tent celebrates 35 years

The International Visitors Tent at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2009 celebrates 35 years. The International Visitors Tent is the world's happiest international arrivals terminal. Each year at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh thousands of people all around the world visit EAA. For 35 years now, the International Visitors Tent served as a host to them, providing helpful information, a place to meet, and translators to answer their questions. At EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2009 the location was at the corner of Knapp Street Road and Waukau Street near the control tower and the tent is big yellow-and-white.

EAA AirVenture 09: Predator B Arrives

Photo courtesy of Adam Badger (MQ-9 Reaper originally the Predator B)
Peter McNall says, "Today marks the first time CBP Predator or any Predator of that fact unmanned aircraft has landed at a non-military airbase." The Predator B who came to Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin came from Grand Forks Air Force Base in Grand Forks, North Dakota. The unmanned aerial vehicle Predator B was accompanied by a piloted Customs and Border Protection Cessna Citation as part of its COA requirements. The Customs and Border Protection Cessna Citation was required to fly one mile and 100 feet vertically away from the Predator B.

Predator B is an unmanned aerial vehicle developed by General Atomics Aeronautic Systems and it is used by the United States Customs. It can watch your every move for 16 hours. It has 3000 pounds of missile and bombs. It has no men on aboard making it an unmanned aerial vehicle. The aircraft is controlled by a controller. Predator B uses it's infrared camera to track down illegal aliens.

Predator B MQ-9 Reaper Specifications
Engine: Honeywell TP331-10T turboprop engine, 950 SHP 712 kW
Empty Weight: 4,900 pounds
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 10,500 pounds
Wingspan: 66 feet
Length: 36 feet
Height: 12.5 feet
Maximum Speed: 260 knots

Blogger Comments
I have never seen an unmanned aerial vehicle before. I saw history being made at Oshkosh! It's the first time an unmanned aerial vehicle went to another airport and not a military base. I went to a forum about the MQ-9 Reaper to learn more about this unique aircraft. At the forum, they showed videos catching illegal aliens. This aircraft is useful to spy on them without even noticing.

EAA AirVenture 09: Sonex's NEW Jet

Photo courtesy of Adam Badger (SubSonex)
On Sunday, July 26, 2009 at EAA AirVenture 2009 Sonex Aircraft founder, owner, and president John Monnett unveiled a new aircraft which is a single-place jet called the SubSonex. The jet is powered by a modified version of a turbine used to power radio-controlled aircraft.

SubSonex Specifications
Engine: 170-200 pound thrust Turbine
Empty Weight: 330 pounds
Maximum Gross Weight Takeoff : 750 pounds
Wingspan: 18 feet
Length 15 feet 9 inches

Blogger Comments
The engine is so small on this aircraft. I saw this aircraft new the Sonex tent. I hope I can see this aircraft fly?!?!?