OLNEY, Texas —Two Air Tractor AT-802 series airplanes will be at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, the nation’s largest annual gathering of aviation enthusiasts. The 802 series is known for its versatility and efficiency. It can be adapted for agricultural application, firefighting operations, as well as other specialty uses. The AT-802 can operate from small airports, short airstrips, even dirt roads to provide operators quick ferry times so they can operate at high capacity even in the most rural or remote locations.
A bright yellow and blue AT-802A agricultural spray plane will be on static display at the National Agricultural Aviation Association exhibit at Booth 457. The single-seat “crop duster” airplane is the biggest in Air Tractor’s product line, with a wingspan just under 60 feet and a gross takeoff weight of 16,000 pounds. It is powered by a 1,295 SHP Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A turboprop engine. With a payload of 9,200 lbs. and an 800-gallon hopper, the AT-802A can treat thousands of acres a day.
Air Tractor designed the AT-802 specifically for aerial firefighting and initial attack with guidance from forestry and firefighting professionals. The firefighting Air Tractor AT-802F single engine air tanker (SEAT) will also be at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. This airplane, Tanker 812, is flown by Michael Hutchins of Roe, Arkansas. It is one of a group of aerial firefighting airplanes assembled at Boeing Plaza in a special showcase of the aerial firefighting industry.
They will fly demonstrations each day of the air show. Some demonstrations will include several different types of firefighting airplanes flying in a mock firefighting scenario. Other firefighting airplanes at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh include: the BAe146 Large Air Tanker, a USFS Smoke Jumper C-23 Sherpa, Aero Commander Shrike Air Attack Platform, CL-215 Amphibious Scooper Air Tanker and Colorado Air National Guard MAFFS equipped C-130.
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh begins Monday, July 22 and continues each day through Sunday, July 28, 2019 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. More information can be found at eaa.org/airventure.
