Page 21 - Volume 16 Number 10

AviDyne announced its more-compact IFD440 replacement GPS/comm/nav system to fit into GNS 430 spaces, much like the IFD540 that is a plug-in for the GNS 530. Rockwell Collins used AirVenture to mark the 35th anniversary of its successful reception of the first GPS signals, in July 1977, displaying the crude antenna used in initial testing.The Big, the Bold, and the BeautifulIt wouldn’t be AirVenture Oshkosh, of course, without the array of unique aircraft spotted around the show. A Sportsman 2+2 kit aircraft was on display, modified into a road worthy vehicle with folding wings and tail, repositionable main landing gear, and a motorcycle-type drive unit that attaches under the rear fuselage; it is reportedly licensable as a three-wheel motorcycle, yet retains full flight capability.The huge Orbis flying vision hospital, a DC-10 used to treat patients and train doctors in remote locations, shared the hardstand with a USAF C-17 transport. Orbis hopes to replace the aging DC-10 with a newer MD-10 from Federal Express’s fleet. One of the Goodyear blimps floated in for the show. From the World War II era, the only operable B-29 Superfortress shuttled fortunate riders on excursion flights; a rare Curtis C-46F Commando cargo plane attended; the Glacier Girl P-38, rescued from the Greenland icecap 20 years ago, was in fine shape; and three Curtiss P-40s were on hand. A restored North American A-36A Apache ground-attack version of the Mustang was shown, and one of the two surviving Douglas Dauntless dive bombers was on display.It’s not too early to•begin making plans for the 2013 AirVenture event, which is scheduled for July 29 through August 4 of next year. T&TOCTOBER 2012TWIN & TURBINE • 19