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Returning for its 15th consecutive year as exclusive automotive sponsor for the world’s greatest aviation celebration, Ford Motor Company will bring exciting attractions and fan favorites to the 2014 Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) AirVenture Oshkosh. The popular Ford Hangar will feature state-of-the-art interactive attractions, the latest advances in automobile technology and the entire lineup of the most extensive launch of new vehicles in Ford history: all on the grounds of Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wis.
This year, Ford’s commitment to bring first-rate entertainment and attractions to the EAA annual convention includes an opening day concert featuring Kenny Loggins; a celebration of “50 Years of Mustang” activities, including Mustang pedal cars, electric cars, classic cars and the all-new 2015 Mustang; the nightly Fly-In Movie Theater with blockbuster and classic aviation films; the Raptor Rock Wall and Tough Tumblers Bungee Trampolines; and a closing Saturday evening dedicated to the Beatles. EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2014 takes place July 28 to August 3, a week in which Wittman becomes the busiest airport in the world.
EAA AirVenture attracts 10,000 aircraft each year, including nearly 2,500 show planes, and is expected to draw more than 500,000 aviation enthusiasts from more than 70 countries.
All Ford events and attractions are free and open to all EAA AirVenture attendees. Additionally, Ford offers a special Partner Recognition vehicle purchase plan to EAA members, from which more than 48,000 EAA members have purchased or leased Ford Motor Company vehicles.
F-35 Lightning II Edition 2015 Mustang
For the seventh consecutive year, Ford will create and donate a unique Ford Mustang to be sold, via auction, at the Gathering of Eagles charity event to support the EAA Young Eagles program. This year, the Ford Design and Engineering teams created the 2015 F-35 Lightning II Edition Mustang GT. The car was specially built for AirVenture, drawing inspiration from the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II aircraft, which represents the pinnacle of more than 50 years of fighter technology. The nonprofit EAA Young Eagles has provided free introductory flights to more than 1.8 million young people since 1992, helping inspire and motivate the next generation of leaders, aviators and innovators.
The one-of-a-kind F-35 Lightning II Edition Mustang will be one of the first salable all-new 2015 Ford Mustangs. The design of the modified 2015 Mustang GT 5.0-liter Fastback exudes a creative connection to the F-35 Lightning II joint forces strike fighter, while highlighting the design features of the new Mustang. Ford Design Manager Melvin Betancourt and Mustang Chief Engineer Dave Pericak led the respective teams.
The exterior will showcase a customized glossy and matte titanium paint scheme with distinctive F-35 Lightning II aircraft accents, with a carbon fiber front splitter, rear diffuser and rocker moldings added. The interior will include performance gauges, modified instrument clusters, Recaro seats and embroidered F-35 Lightning II elements in the seats and floor mats, among other distinctive design elements.
Ford’s unique vehicles have become star properties for collectors and attendees, garnering more than $2.5 million to benefit the Young Eagles’ efforts. The F-35 Lightning II Edition Mustang will be on display all week at the Ford Hangar.
“The F-35 Lightning aircraft demonstrates unprecedented versatility and delivers state-of-the-art air
For more information on EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2014, visit www.AirVenture.org.