B-24, PB4Y-2 Privateer Added to AirVenture 2026 Lineup
By EAA Staff
Two legendary World War II-era aircraft have been confirmed for the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 lineup on July 20-26, as the Commemorative Air Force’s B-24 Diamond Lil will be joined by a Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer on the flightline during the week.
Diamond Lil Commemorative Air Force / Scott Slocum.
Diamond Lil is a return visitor to Oshkosh, coming from the CAF’s B-29/B-24 Squadron based in Dallas, Texas. The airplane dates back 85 years as the 25th B-24 Liberator out of nearly 20,000 of the model built through all its variants. The CAF obtained the aircraft in the late 1960s, and it has been flying with its current markings for more than a decade, including on regular national tours with the CAF’s B-29 FIFI.
Privateer / Al Sauer
The PB4Y-2 was restored by GossHawk Unlimited in Casa Grande, Arizona. The Privateer is a derivative of the B-24, with the U.S. Navy optimizing the airframe for maritime patrol. This particular aircraft was used as a fire bomber until the early 2000s, when it was obtained and restored with U.S. Coast Guard markings that represent its post-WWII service.
The two aircraft will be parked on Boeing Plaza during the week as part of AirVenture’s celebration of America’s 250th anniversary and more than a century of aviation leadership. They will also participate in the evening air show on Wednesday, July 22.
