NASA will play a prominent role at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026, bringing a collection of uniquely painted research aircraft celebrating America’s 250th anniversary, along with NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, to the world’s largest aviation gathering. The 73rd edition of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh takes place July 20–26 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
(Image credit: EAA/NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center)
Isaacman will make two public appearances during the week. On Thursday, July 23, at 10 a.m., he will participate in a Warbirds in Review session discussing his personal MiG-29 and Northrop F-5 aircraft. He will also speak on Boeing Plaza on Friday, July 24, at 10 a.m., presenting NASA’s vision for the future, including upcoming space exploration missions and the agency’s continuing work in aeronautics research. Among the highlights of NASA’s aircraft lineup will be an F-15 Eagle and an F/A-18 Hornet from NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base, California. Both aircraft wear striking commemorative paint schemes created for the America 250 celebrations, featuring navy blue fuselages adorned with white stars and wings finished in red-and-white stripes.
Also appearing on Boeing Plaza will be one of NASA’s T-38 Talon astronaut trainers from the Johnson Space Center in Houston. The sleek supersonic jet has served for decades as an essential training platform for NASA astronauts and remains one of the agency’s most recognizable aircraft. Completing NASA’s display will be four Northrop F-5F Tiger II aircraft, including three painted in special “Freedom 250” white-and-blue commemorative liveries. The aircraft will be displayed in the Warbirds area throughout the week, except when participating in the afternoon airshows on July 23 and 24.
(Image credit: NASA)
The specially painted aircraft made their public debut during the America 250 Independence Day flyover over Washington, D.C., on July 4. AirVenture 2026 will mark the first opportunity for the public to view the aircraft together on static display in their patriotic commemorative liveries. NASA’s participation adds another major attraction to this year’s AirVenture, combining historic aviation, cutting-edge aerospace research, and the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration in the heart of the world’s premier aviation gathering.
