Aviation is full of milestones and anniversaries. This year at Oshkosh is no exception.  The 50th anniversary of the Apollo Space Program, the 75th anniversary of the 8th Air Force and the 25th anniversary of the Young Eagles are all being acknowledged this year during AirVenture 2017.  One milestone of special interest to me is the reproduction of the Morane-Saulnier Type L on display at the Daher booth at AirVenture 2017.  The Type L was the first production monoplane (Parasol Aeroplane) equipped with a machine gun to enter World War I in 2017.  2017 was also the year that the United States entered the war to fight alongside its European Allies.  To commemorate both anniversaries, Daher decided to bring this replica to AirVenture.  The replica is the result of a group of dedicated volunteers, both current and past employees of Daher and Morane-Saulnier, some of whom are in their eighties.  Several of this group journeyed to Oshkosh to answer questions on the aircraft and it’s construction, which retains many of the original Type L’s design.  These include the wooden structure, wing-warping system and flying rudder and stabilator controls.  Since the aircraft is being built to fly, several modern upgrades have been added to assure its success.  First flight is hoped for in 2018. What makes the replica even more important is that it proudly stands side by side with the TBM 930 and TBM 910, both of which can trace their roots back to the craftsmanship of Morane-Saulnier.

Ground View 

Yesterday’s blog included the arrival of both the B1 Bomber and the Scaled Composites Proteus.  This morning I decided to get a closer look at both as they were on display at Boeing Square, the central open air display area at AirVenture.

I use the phrase closer look with some discretion.  While the Proteus was behind a series of flags, the B1 had an additional deterrent to keep visitors from getting too friendly.  The aircraft is kept under constant observation by a “well appointed” group of folks that I wouldn’t want to make angry.

The Proteus was as impressive on the ramp as it was in the air.  Combining unusual shapes and design it could well be a piece of sculpture.

Bombers

As mentioned in a previous blog, part of the celebration for the anniversary of the 75th anniversary of the 8th Air Force includes a collection of bombers on display and in the air during AirVenture 2017.  During today’s airshow (which clouded over and made photography tough) crowds at AirVenture had rare opportunity.  Until recently there was only one flying B29 Bomber in the world, “Fifi.”  As with the Morane-Saulnier Type L but on a much larger and costly scale, a group set out to restore and fly another B29.  Known as “Doc”, it took to the air this afternoon.  For 30 minutes the skies above AirVenture had both of the worlds only flying B29’s in air at the same time.  Quite an impressive site.  I’m hoping for clearer skies later in the week and will post photos then.  In the meantime, here are photos of their nose art from sunnier skies this morning.

Heavy rains and thunderstorms are in the forecast for tomorrow.  Until then, fly safe.     https://www.eaa.org/en/airventure

Ken

Sales Manager
Daher Sales