Fresh from a record-breaking EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025, two notable additions are now enhancing the EAA Aviation Museum’s collection—at least for a limited time. A faithful replica from aviation’s pioneer era and a reproduction of a groundbreaking World War II jet fighter are now on view for visitors.
The Santos-Dumont Demoiselle replica, built by Club Aéro des Garrigues in France, has crossed the Atlantic to join the museum’s Pioneers of Flight exhibit. Originally intended to headline the Vintage area’s Pioneers of Flight display during AirVenture 2025, shipping delays meant it arrived just after the event concluded, making it, unofficially, the first “arrival” for AirVenture 2026. Designed in 1907 by Brazilian aviation pioneer Alberto Santos-Dumont, the Demoiselle was a lightweight bamboo-framed monoplane weighing less than 300 pounds. Its innovative design made it one of the earliest practical aircraft for private aviators.
Also now on display is the Messerschmitt Me 262 reproduction from the Military Aviation Museum in Virginia. This aircraft was a crowd favorite during AirVenture 2025, appearing in several air shows throughout the week. The original Me 262, introduced late in World War II, was the world’s first operational jet-powered fighter. Flown by the Luftwaffe, it dramatically outpaced piston-powered fighters of its day, ushering in a new era of aerial warfare.
The Me 262 is currently showcased in the Eagle Hangar alongside other early jets in a special temporary display. Visitors can view it next to a de Havilland DH.100 Vampire, Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star, Republic F-84 Thunderjet, North American F-86 Sabre, and a Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15. This rare six-aircraft lineup will be on display together through mid-August. For more information, visit www.eaa.org/eaa-museum
