Warbird Highlights at AirVenture 2023

A variety of rare and iconic warbirds, along with new restorations, are expected next week at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2023.

Dakota Territory Air Museum’s P-47D Bonnie, which was recently restored by Aircorps Aviation, is expected to travel to Oshkosh and will be the first Thunderbolt to attend AirVenture in a number of years. Bonnie is believed to be the only flying Republic-built razorback P-47 in the world. DTAM is also expected to bring its recently restored P-51C Thunderbird, which is one of the more recognizable post-war Mustangs, having won the 1949 Bendix Trophy race in which pilot Joe DeBona set a piston-powered speed record of 470 mph.

Additionally, 10-12 Corsairs are anticipated to attend as part of the AirVenture 2023 Corsair gathering, and a number of Vietnam War-era aircraft are also expected to be in attendance, representing aircraft types such as the A-4, A-1, AC-47, C-123, O-2, L-19, Cobra, Chinook, Huey, and Loach.