Korean War Aviation Innovation to Take Center Stage at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025 will spotlight the transformative aviation innovations of the Korean War era, marking the 75th anniversary of the conflict.

Moreno Aguiari
Moreno Aguiari
Col. Ben O. Davis leading a three-ship of 51st FIW F-86Fs over Korea in 1953. (photo via Wikipedia)
Alan Armstrong 729

The groundbreaking aviation technology of the Korean War era will be a featured highlight at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025, taking place July 21–27 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. This special focus comes as the world marks 75 years since the start of the Korean War, a conflict that ushered in a transformative period in military aviation history. Attendees will witness the dramatic evolution from piston-powered warbirds to the dawn of the jet age, with aircraft featured both in the air and on the ground. These Korean War-era aircraft will be showcased in Boeing Plaza and the Warbirds area, as well as performing in daily air shows.

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A Korean War vintage shot of a line of F9F Panthers awaiting service on the deck of an American aircraft carrier. (image via Platinum Fighters)

“While iconic World War II aircraft like the Corsair and P-51 Mustang were still prominent at the outbreak of the Korean War in 1950, it wasn’t long before jet aircraft such as the F-86 Sabre and MiG-15 became dominant on the front lines,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of communities and member programs. “This was a pivotal moment in aviation history, and AirVenture 2025 will bring that evolution to life.”

Steve Hinton F 86 and Chris Fahey Mig 15 Flying Saturday Afternoon Korean War Segment copy
Steve Hinton in the F-86 and Chris Fahey in the Mig-15. Photo via Planes of Fame

Confirmed piston-powered aircraft include the F4U Corsair, P-51 Mustang, B-29 Superfortress, AD-4 and AD-5W Skyraiders, PB4Y, and L-5 Sentinel. Representing the jet age are the Lockheed P-80, Republic F-84, MiG-15, MiG-17, and the legendary F-86 Sabre. This year also coincides with several milestone anniversaries: the 85th anniversary of the F4U Corsair, the 80th anniversary of the A-1 Skyraider, and the 75th anniversary of the MiG-17—each adding historical significance to the event.

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Jim Tobul’s F4U Corsair ‘Korean War Hero’ and Scott Yoak’s P-51 ‘Quick Silver’ fly in ‘The Class of ‘45’

While Korean War-era aircraft and displays will be featured throughout the week, the main commemorative programming is scheduled for Wednesday through Friday, July 23–25. These days will feature special air show segments and themed evening events at EAA’s Theater in the Woods and the Fly-In Theater, with more details to be announced in the coming months. AirVenture 2025 promises to be a powerful tribute to the innovation and legacy of the Korean War aviation era—a celebration of the machines and the men who pushed the boundaries of flight during a pivotal time in global history. For more information, visit www.eaa.org/airventure

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2023 final statistics 2
Photo via EAA
 
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Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
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