Air Show Roundup: Oshkosh!

2 The first production Model 162 SkyCatcher was unveiled to the public---exactly one year from the date when Cessna officially launched its LSA program at AirVenture 2007. Since then, Cessna has accepted orders for more than 1,000 SkyCatchers and completed three airframes.

3 Formerly known as simply "the-jet," the single-engine Cirrus Vision SJ50 made its public debut at Oshkosh. Powered by a Williams International FJ33-4A-19, the SJ50 can seat seven and is expected to cruise at around 300 knots. The red and white, V-tail personal jet made a low pass along the flight line before landing and taxiing to AeroShell Square.

4 The Flight Design MC (for Metal Concept) was unveiled by Flight Design. This is the company's second all-new aircraft in 2008. The MC is similar in appearance to the CTLS, but is constructed mainly of aluminum and steel. The MC's cockpit measures an impressive 52 inches wide.

5 The single-engine Eclipse 400, introduced as the Eclipse Concept Jet (ECJ) at AirVenture 2007, performed a flyby for the crowds at Oshkosh. With an estimated 330-knot max cruise speed, the Eclipse 400 uses less than one pound of fuel per nautical mile.

6 The Martin JetPack made its public debut at Oshkosh. The human flight machine from Martin Aircraft of New Zealand is powered by a 200 hp piston engine that runs on premium automobile fuel. The engine is mounted behind the pilot, who for the premiere was 16-year-old Harrison Martin---the son of JetPack inventor Glenn Martin.

7 On display was the new four-place Grumman Tiger from True Flight Aerospace, which acquired the rights to the original Grumman designs and will manufacture and sell the AG-5B Tiger. The 180 hp aircraft has the ability to fly at 160 mph and features extensive upgrades, including a Garmin G1000 glass cockpit.

8 Liberty Aerospace announced updates to its advanced XL2 Vanguard Edition, including new decal designs and additional interior options. The Vanguard Edition is the latest model of the FADEC-equipped, two-seat, training and touring aircraft. It comes with an enhanced gross weight, optional toe brakes, WAAS-enabled Garmin GPS, a terrain database from Jeppesen, entry steps and Aspen Avionics (inset).

9 Oshkosh was the site for the first exhibition of the new Rocket Racing League, featuring rocket-powered aircraft. The demo racer flew a "raceway in the sky" using in-panel and 3D helmet displays. Pending FAA approval, the AirVenture exhibition races are the first of four RRL exhibitions scheduled in late summer and fall throughout the country.

10 The Icon A5 made its public debut at an unveiling ceremony in Oshkosh. The two-seat sportplane has an amphibious design with retractable landing gear for flying off land and water. Folding wings allow the plane to be towed on the road with a custom trailer. The prototype made its first flight test on July 9 in California.

11 Remos Aircraft unveiled its new Remos GX LSA at Oshkosh. Among the changes made over its predecessor, the G-3, are a new wing, fuselage adjustments, an expanded cargo area, a ground-adjustable Sensenich propeller and night VFR certification.

12 Gobosh Aviation's newest addition to its product line, the all-composite, low-wing 800XP. The LSA boasts a composite design and a high-performance laminar-flow wing. "XP" signifies that the 800 is a glass-cockpit-equipped aircraft. The aircraft also features a ballistic parachute system.

13 The high-wing Tecnam Eaglet LSA offers a 46-inch-wide cabin with bubble doors. Visability is enhanced with a wraparound windscreen and large rear windows. Unlike other LSA from Tecnam, this model features toe brakes instead of hand brakes.

14 The F22 Raptor took to the skies above Oshkosh, wowing air show attendees with a dynamic demonstration flight.

15 The Terrafugia Transition is a roadable LSA designed by a team of MIT-trained engineers. It can be stored in your home garage (thanks to its folding wings) and then driven as a street-legal vehicle to a local airport for takeoff. The aircraft can fly up to 400 nm and converts from road to flight mode with a few simple commands.

16 Initially developed for missionaries flying piston-powered aircraft in South America and Africa, the turboprop Kodiak can run on Jet A, which is easier to find overseas, as well as 100LL avgas. The modernized bush plane features an oversized cargo door, cruises at 185 knots and can hold 3,325 pounds. The 750 hp Pratt & Whitney PT6A-34 gives the Kodiak plenty of authority to navigate short, rough airstrips.

17 The unusual-looking Boeing Dreamlifter made an appearance. The modified Boeing 747-400 is used exclusively for transporting aircraft parts to Boeing from suppliers around the world; it features oversized roundheaded rivets protruding from its bulbous exterior.

18 The ElectraFlyer-C demonstrated environmentally friendly, electric-powered flight to Oshkosh attendees. Able to climb at a rate of 500 fpm, the aircraft can cruise for one and a half to two hours at 70 mph using an 18 hp motor fed by 5.6 kWh of lithium-polymer batteries. Electric Aircraft doesn't sell the airplane but does offer complete powerplant packages.