“Pratt & Whitney has left an indelible mark on general, commercial, and military aviation,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of communities and member programs. “Bringing the 747SP to AirVenture is a fitting tribute to the company’s century of technological advancements, and we’re excited to showcase it to the more than 500,000 attendees expected this year.”
Originally entering service in the mid-1970s, the Boeing 747SP (short for “Special Performance”) is a shortened, long-range variant of the iconic 747 airliner. Powered by four Pratt & Whitney JT9D engines, the aircraft was designed for intercontinental flights and is now a rare sight in the skies. Just 45 were ever built, and Pratt & Whitney owns and operates the only two that remain airworthy today. Their flying test bed variant is modified with a fifth engine mount, allowing for the real-world evaluation of new engine designs in diverse weather conditions. Since 2001, the 747SP test bed has played a crucial role in developing and refining more than 70 different experimental engines, logging over 1,400 ground runs and test flights. These tests have contributed directly to the success of advanced Pratt & Whitney propulsion systems, including the PW800 engine for business jets and the groundbreaking Geared Turbofan (GTF) engine used in today’s commercial fleets.
“Pushing the boundaries of flight has always been central to our mission,” said Maria Della Posta, president of Pratt & Whitney Canada. “Showcasing the 747SP at Oshkosh not only honors our legacy—it demonstrates how our commitment to innovation continues to shape the future of aviation. We’re proud to return to AirVenture, where we’ve connected with aviation enthusiasts, pilots, OEMs, and operators for more than 15 years.” Pratt & Whitney Canada, founded in 1928, is a cornerstone of general aviation with a long-standing presence at EAA AirVenture. Its legendary PT6 engine, now celebrating over 60 years in service, has accumulated more than 500 million flight hours and remains the gold standard in turboprop propulsion. From bush flying to business aviation, PT6-powered aircraft are trusted worldwide for their performance, reliability, and versatility.
Visitors can also explore RTX innovations throughout the week at the company’s booth in Exhibit Hangar B, where Pratt & Whitney Canada will display PT6 engine cutaways and Collins Aerospace will showcase advanced aerospace systems and technologies. With the arrival of the rare 747SP and the centennial celebration of one of aviation’s most storied engine makers, AirVenture 2025 promises to be an unforgettable experience for fans of flight history and innovation alike. For more information about EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025, visit www.eaa.org/airventure
