Super Guppy Returning to Oshkosh!

NASA’s Super Guppy, one of the most popular aircraft to appear on Boeing Plaza in recent years, will be back at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in 2026 and will undoubtedly be a favorite photo op once again.

The Super Guppy made its first appearance at Oshkosh in 2000 and last appeared at the fly-in in 2023. Designed in the 1960s by Aero Spacelines Industries (ASI) and based on the Boeing C-97J Stratocruiser, the Super Guppy is one of the oddest-looking airplanes flying today.

The aircraft is designed to carry oversized cargo, leading to extreme dimensions for the fuselage. The cargo hold is 111 feet, 6 inches long and has a maximum height of 25 feet, 6 inches and a 25-foot diameter. Powered by four Allison T56 turboprop engines, the airplane has a maximum takeoff weight of 170,000 pounds and can carry a 48,000-pound payload, with a cruise speed of 290 mph at 25,000 feet. It has a hinged nose that opens 110 degrees, similar to a refrigerator door, allowing for frontal cargo loading. Cargo is transported on pallets with a system of rails within the cargo hold.

The Super Guppy is expected to be at AirVenture throughout the week, with the majority of that time scheduled to be on Boeing Plaza.