World War One aviation may have peaked in the public’s interest in the late 1960’s, but with the 100th anniversary of the end of the war to end all wars this year, there’s been a resurgence in interest in the first warbirds. That includes AirVenture, where several WWI themed aircraft, engines, engine runs and re-enactors mark the centennial activities.
Now with the weather lifting this afternoon we’ve seen a few of the WWI replicas emerging from their trailers. As expected, modern materials and techniques are typical in the recreations, but it’s also worth noting much of the basics of rag and tube homebuilding was pioneered during the first war. The DR-I triplane in the photo, for example, uses a welded steel tube fuselage and wood wing construction. The same as many plans-built sport planes today.
EAA press materials say the WWI action will peak on Friday, and centers around the Vintage hangar. We’ll report more activities as we see them.
