Helicopters Magazine

Features Innovations UAVs
Ford unveils 2011 Explorer at Oshkosh

July 29, 2010  By Carey Fredericks

July 29, 2010, Dearborn, Mich. - Ford Motor Company revealed the new 2011 Ford Explorer to aviation enthusiasts in Oshkosh, Wis. on Monday afternoon with help from an Erickson Air-Crane.


Ford Motor Company soared back to Oshkosh, Wis. in 2010, continuing its
second decade as the exclusive automotive partner for EAA’s AirVenture
Oshkosh, the world’s greatest aviation celebration. The popular Ford
Hangar featured some of the latest advances in automobile technology, as
well as many of the industry’s most revered classics, all on the grounds of Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh. Ford's commitment in
bringing first-rate entertainment and attractions to the annual
convention of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) is
unparalleled. EAA AirVenture Oshkosh takes place July 26 to Aug. 1,
making Wittman the busiest airport in the world.

 explorerreveal1_web  
Ford Motor Company revealed the all-new
2011 Ford Explorer to thousands of aviation enthusiasts Monday afternoon
in Oshkosh, Wis. With help from an Erickson Air-Crane, the vehicle
landed at Wittman Regional Airport during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2010.
Photo courtesy of the Ford Motor Company.


 

EAA AirVenture 2010 will feature 10,000 aircraft, including 2,500 show
planes, and is expected to attract nearly 600,000 aviation enthusiasts
from more than 70 countries. Adding to the anticipation for this
worldwide event, Ford Motor Company plans to make Oshkosh the site of an
exciting company product announcement on opening day. Details on the
announcement will be released at a later date.

All Ford events and attractions are free and open to all EAA AirVenture
attendees. Ford offers a special Partner Recognition vehicle purchase
plan to EAA members.

Advertisement

“Showcasing our strong roots in aviation, while honoring the rich
history of innovation it has inspired in our vehicles is something Ford
Motor Company looks forward to every year,” said Edsel B. Ford II, a
member of Ford’s Board of Directors. “Whether the subject is airplanes
or automobiles, EAA AirVenture fans share with Ford an unparalleled
passion for cutting-edge technology and engineering prowess.”

Chicago Rocks Opening Day
Ford will present legendary American rock band Chicago as the EAA
AirVenture opening day feature performance, free of charge to all
AirVenture guests that day. Concert activities will begin at 5:30 p.m.,
July 26 in AeroShell Square, adjacent to the Ford Hangar. Chicago is one
of the longest performing and most successful U.S. pop/rock and roll
groups, selling more than 120 million albums worldwide. Over the course
of the group’s career, Chicago has charted five No. 1 albums and 21 top
ten hits.

Aviation-Inspired One-Off Mustang SR-71 “Blackbird” Auction
Two automotive icons – legendary racer and manufacturer Carroll Shelby,
and world-renowned racer, engineer and designer Jack Roush – have come
together in their first vehicle collaboration project to join Ford in
creating a one-off 2011 Mustang, the aviation-themed SR-71 “Blackbird.
The one-of-a-kind vehicle will be sold at auction July 29 during EAA
AirVenture. Proceeds from the sale will benefit the EAA Young Eagles
organization, which has provided free introductory flights to more than
1.5 million young people since 1992, while also teaching the value of
hard work, personal responsibility and enhanced math and science skills.

The “SR-71” designation holds a dual meaning for the one-of-a-kind,
fully-customized Mustang. First, “SR-71” refers to the car’s design and
performance-inspired connection with the SR-71 Blackbird, the aircraft
that holds all official airspeed and altitude records and is widely
regarded as one of the most spectacular planes ever produced. Second,
“SR” represents the first collaborative project between Shelby and
Roush. Mustang Chief Designer Darrell Behmer led design for the project
and Mustang Chief Nameplate Engineer Dave Pericak led the engineering
effort.

Ford also has donated a 2011 Mustang GT Convertible to be awarded to one
lucky AirVenture attendee in a raffle also support the Young Eagles.

Ford Presents the “Fly-In Theater”
Ford Motor Company returns this year as presenting sponsor of the EAA
AirVenture "Fly-In Theater." With generous support from Hamilton Watch,
the open-air Fly-In Theater will offer evening family entertainment free
for attendees. Located adjacent to EAA’s Camp Scholler camping area,
each evening at approximately 8:30 p.m., thousands of patrons will watch
free aviation-themed movies on the theater’s five-story screen while
sitting under the night sky. Each feature will be introduced by a
celebrity presenter or legendary aviator. Edsel B. Ford II will serve as
host Wednesday, July 28, when the theater welcomes Chesley B. “Sully”
Sullenberger III – the heroic pilot who safely landed US Airways Flight
1549 in the Hudson River, saving the lives of all 155 passengers– and
his co-pilot Jeff Skiles for the presentation of “Brace for Impact: The
Chesley B. Sullenberger Story.”

Cruisin' Legends Collector Car Show
Each day, EAA AirVenture guests can meet proud owners and view some of
the world’s most timeless, pristinely restored Ford Motor Company
vehicles at the Cruisin' Legends car show on the grounds of Wittman
Regional Airport. As part of the show, guests can attend Hot Rod Heaven,
the Mustang Stampede, visit the Shelby American Club and Owners, see
the Fabulous Thunderbirds or tour the Roush Flight Line display. The
show will feature cars from clubs across the Midwest.

Clubs attend different days throughout the week. Admission is free for AirVenture guests.
Model T Time Henry Ford’s Model T revolutionized the consumer automobile
industry when it hit the market in 1908. More than 100 years later,
thousands of EAA AirVenture attendees will join Ford in celebrating the
innovation by partaking in a parade of fully-functional Model Ts,
browsing an incredible collection of the vehicles, and taking rides in
any of several Model Ts on site with members of the Model T Ford Club of
America. Experience a ride in a Model T on Thursday July 29 beginning
at 10 a.m. at the EAA Museum entrance.

Other Attractions
Visitors to the Ford Hangar, in the heart of the EAA AirVenture campus,
will have the opportunity to engage in various interactive exhibits,
demonstrating the latest Ford “Smart,” “Quality,” “Green,” and “Safe”
innovations, all guided by Hangar Master Narrator “Hank” the Robot.
Featured attractions include the Mustang Corral, which contains
production and race vehicles, a P-51 Mustang and a mechanical bucking
bronco and Western show. The Built Ford Tough Territory will host the
Vertical Wind Tunnel and Rock Climbing Wall, while Electric Avenue will
display the latest advances in Powertrain technology and offer Active
Park Assist "hands-free" parallel parking demos.

Advertisement

Stories continue below

Print this page

Related