National WASP Museum to highlight WWII women pilots at AirVenture 2026

EAA announced on Wednesday that two World War II-era aircraft from the National WASP WWII Museum will join the Warbirds lineup for AirVenture 2026 at the Wittman Regional Airport (OSH) on July 20 to 26. The museum's 1943 Vultee BT-13 Valiant and North American AT-6 Texan are supposed to highlight the importance of women pilots during that period. The two aircraft represent the progression from basic flight instruction to advanced military aviation training completed by the WASP during World War II. The Vultee BT-13 Valiant was used for flight training and introduced trainees to heavier aircraft with greater complexity and performance demands. It was nicknamed the Vultee Vibrator for its strong engine vibration. This aircraft represents the stage of training where WASP trainees refined the precision flying skills needed before moving on to advanced trainers and operational aircraft. The WASP museum's silver Vultee was donated and restored in honor of WASP pilot Betty Wall Strohfus. It has the same paint markings that were on Avenger Field during WWII. The North American AT-6 Texan was used as the final part of advanced single-engine training for WASP. Trainees were expected to master aerobatics, formation flying, cross-country navigation and instrument flight. EAA states that many later remember the AT-6 as their favorite aircraft they flew in WASP because of its speed, maneuverability, and direct connection to combat aircraft operations. The museum's AT-6D was built in Grand Prairie, Texas, and served at Luke Field, Arizona, one of the Army Air Forces' largest advanced training bases during World War II. "As the National WASP WWII Museum prepares for its appearance at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, the museum will proudly represent the legacy of the Women Airforce Service Pilots at one of the largest aviation gatherings in the world," said Rachael McClain, the museum's executive director. "Located at historic Avenger Field in Sweetwater, the museum is dedicated to honoring the Women Airforce Service Pilots and preserving the story of the first American women to fly United States military aircraft. Since opening its doors more than 20 years ago, the museum has become a national destination for aviation history, welcoming thousands of visitors and students each year to experience the stories of courage, determination, and service that changed the role of women in aviation forever." RELATED STORIES: Boeing B-29 Superfortress Doc returns to EAA AirVenture 2026 AirVenture 2026 to highlight Pacific Air Force aircraft and personnel Pioneers of Flight to showcase early aircraft models at AirVenture 2026 The museum states that both aircraft were vital in preparing WASP for vital wartime missions. WASP would ferry newly built aircraft from factories to military bases, transport cargo and personnel, tow aerial gunnery targets and conduct test flights on repaired aircraft. They flew every aircraft in the Army Air Forces inventory, including the B-25 Mitchell bomber, the B-17 Flying Fortress and the B-29 Superfortress. "As EAA AirVenture 2026 celebrates more than a century of American aviation innovation during our nation's 250th anniversary, it is fitting that the WASP are recognized for their contributions beside the B-29 and other historic aircraft at the largest annual warbirds gathering in the world," said Rick Larsen, EAA VP of communities and member programs. "The appearance of these aircraft at Oshkosh highlights the museum's ongoing mission to preserve living history through aviation."