RTX subsidiary Pratt & Whitney brought its Boeing 747SP test bed to Oshkosh as part of the company’s global centennial celebration, commemorating 100 years since its founding in 1925. The 747SP is expected to be here until Thursday, July 24, offering attendees a rare opportunity to tour this iconic flying test bed.
Pratt & Whitney began operations in 1925 with the invention of the R-1340 Wasp engine, which revolutionized military and commercial aviation. The 1940s saw more innovation as the company powered several era-defining aircraft for the Allies in World War II and began exploring jet propulsion.
The Boeing 747SP (for special performance) is a shortened version of the 747 airliner that features a longer range than its full-sized counterpart and is powered by four Pratt & Whitney JT9D engines. Only 45 such aircraft were produced, with Pratt & Whitney owning the only two that are currently airworthy. The test bed variant features a fifth engine mount separate from the four main powerplants located below the wings. This extra engine configuration allows for testing engines in real-life weather conditions. Since 2001, Pratt & Whitney’s test beds have completed more than 1,400 ground runs and flight tests using 71 different experimental engines.
“Pratt & Whitney has always pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in flight,” said Maria Della Posta, president at Pratt & Whitney Canada. “Bringing our 747SP to Oshkosh isn’t just about showcasing a unique aircraft — it represents how our legacy of innovation continues to shape the future of aviation. As a proud EAA AirVenture exhibitor for more than 15 years, we’ve valued every opportunity to connect directly with pilots, operators, maintainers, aviation enthusiasts, and OEM partners who share our passion for flight.”
In addition to the airplane, RTX’s booth — located in Aspen Avionics Exhibit Hangar B — will showcase throughout the week Pratt & Whitney Canada’s iconic PT6 engine cutaways, as well as Collins Aerospace’s technologies.