Two Rare WWII Axis Fighter Aircraft Participating at EAA AirVenture 2010

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wis. - (June 1, 2010) - Two extremely rare World War II fighter aircraft - a German Focke-Wulf Fw190A-9 and Japanese Model 21 Zero - are the latest additions to an impressive lineup of warbirds presented during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, which will be held July 26-August 1 at Wittman Regional Airport.

Both Axis airplanes will be on display during the week at the new "Scotts Warbird Alley" showcase in the Warbirds area, and will also appear together at the convention's final Warbirds in Review program set for 1 p.m. Sunday, August 1.

The Focke-Wulf Fw190A-9 is from the German Luftwaffe, and currently owned by Frasca International. The aircraft is currently in Chino, Calif., where it is undergoing preparations for the trip to Oshkosh. Originally beginning as a Flug Werk replica, the Fw190A-9 restoration has incorporated many original components, including the placards and instruments in the cockpit. The A-9 was the last of nine "A" variants, and more than 20,000 Fw190s overall were built during World War II.

The 1941 Nakajima A6M2 Model 21 Zero from Japan, owned by North Dakota corporation Dakota Blayde Zero LLP, was restored from a wreck discovered in the Ballale Island jungles in the Solomons in 1965. With everything original except the engine, the airplane's restoration has been praised by Japanese aeronautical engineers and other world experts.

Preparations are under way to bring it to Oshkosh the week before AirVenture.

"With the addition of these two Axis aircraft, this year's warbird lineup becomes even more impressive and more historic," said Bill Fischer, Warbirds of America executive director. "Visitors have the rare opportunity to see the types of aircraft Allied fighters were up against and note any differences."

As part of the "Salute to Veterans" commemoration at AirVenture, among the several other notable warbirds on display during the week will be the C-47, B-17, P-51 Mustangs and F-86 Sabre.

Warbirds in Review sessions take place at daily 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., with the exception of July 26 when sessions will be held at 10 a.m. and noon, followed by the "Scotts Warbird Alley" dedication that day. Admission to these programs is included with all AirVenture admissions and is part of one of the world's greatest annual gatherings of former military aircraft in one place.

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EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH is The World's Greatest Aviation Celebration and EAA's yearly membership convention. Additional EAA AirVenture information, including advance ticket and camping purchase, is available online at www.airventure.org. EAA members receive lowest prices on admission rates. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 1-800-JOIN-EAA (1-800-564-6322) or visit www.eaa.org. Immediate news is available at www.twitter.com/EAAupdate.