U.S. Air Force to bring U-2 aircraft as part of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (April 10, 2025) — EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025 will feature one of the most popular intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft, as the United States Air Force plans to bring a Lockheed U-2 from Beale Air Force Base in California. The 72nd edition of the Experimental Aircraft Association’s annual fly-in convention is July 21-27 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

“The U-2 continues to play a vital role in ISR operations for the United States and remains an iconic aircraft among the Air Force fleet,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of communities and member programs, who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. “We welcome the crew to Oshkosh and appreciate the opportunity to have one on display at EAA AirVenture.”

The aircraft will be on display all week to commemorate the U-2’s 70th anniversary, having first flown on August 1, 1955. Nicknamed Dragon Lady, the U-2 served as a major upgrade to the United States’ capabilities after World War II. The United States have used U-2s all over the world including during operations over the Soviet Union, Korea, Afghanistan, and Iraq. The aircraft can reach altitudes greater than 70,000 feet with a cruise speed of 470 miles per hour.

While the U-2 is a single-seat aircraft, it often requires a team effort to land due to the reduced forward visibility and bicycle-type landing gear. A second U-2 pilot follows the aircraft in a high-performance vehicle during landing. The two pilots communicate via radio to ensure a successful landing.

Arriving alongside the U-2 will be a T-38 Talon, a supersonic jet trainer that serves a variety of roles in Air Force pilot training. The aircraft is primarily used by the Air Education and Training Command to prepare pilots for front-line fighter and bomber aircraft. The T-38 boasts an impressive amount of power with the ability to reach speeds greater than 800 miles per hour.

About EAA AirVenture Oshkosh
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration” and EAA’s membership convention. Additional information, including advance ticket and camping purchase, is available at www.EAA.org/airventure. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 800-JOIN-EAA (800-564-6322) or go to www.EAA.org.