SUN ’N FUN CAMPUS, LAKELAND, Fl. – ( March 3, 2008 ) The revolutionary V-22 Osprey

(Tilt-Rotor)—which rotates its wings so that it can take-off and land like a helicopter and fly like a twin-engine airplane—will fly in to the 2008 Sun ‘n Fun Fly-In, which will be held April 8 -13 at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport in Lakeland, Florida. Two V-22 Ospreys are currently scheduled to arrive on Friday, April 11 and remain on static display through Sunday, April 13 .

“More than 150 requests for the Tilt-Rotor were made from venues across the nation. Only 11 – including Sun ’n Fun – were selected”, said John Burton, Sun ’n Fun’s President and Convention Chairman. “This is an exciting development for Sun ‘n Fun. Combined with the USAF Thunderbirds, air-air refuelers and tankers, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) and our regular programs and activities, this year is shaping up to be one of our best ever.”

The V-22 is an American joint service, multi-mission, military twin-turbine tilt-rotor aircraft with both a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) and short takeoff and landing (STOL) capability. Although it takes-off and lands like a helicopter, once airborne, its engines can be rotated to convert the aircraft to a turboprop airplane capable of high-speed, high-altitude flight. The V-22 operates at twice the speed and three times the payload capacity of current helicopters and is equipped with an advanced state-of-the art avionics package giving it unprecedented capabilities.

Its operational flexibility puts U.S. Forces within reach of virtually any military or humanitarian mission site in the world. The V-22’s capabilities further increase the probability of mission success by drastically reducing execution times from days to mere hours.

V-22 aircraft have been tested extensively, flying more than 23,000 hours, achieving speeds of 402 mph and altitudes of 25,000 feet. The V-22 was developed by Bell Helicopter

Textron, which manufactures it in partnership with Boeing Helicopters. The initial operators are the United States Marine Corps and U.S. Air Force.

Sun ’n Fun begins Tuesday, April 8 with gates opening at 9a.m. daily. Tickets can be purchased online at www.sun-n-fun.org or at any registration point on-site. For more information on ticket prices, daily schedules, camping, accommodations and other scheduled activities, access Sun ’n Fun’s website at www.sun-n-fun.org , or call 863-644-2431 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Sun ’n Fun, a 501(c)(3) not–for–profit organization based in Lakeland, Florida, is best known for its annual Fly–In held each April. The Fly–In is the primary source of funding for Sun ‘n Fun’s expanding year–round aviation education programs. These include operation of the Florida Air Museum, the state’s “Official Aviation Museum and Education Center,” which is also supported through grants from the Division of Historical Resources and Division of Cultural Affairs, Florida Department of State. In addition, Sun ’n Fun has initiated education programs for aviation enthusiasts of all ages – especially young people – featuring valuable “hands on” learning experiences. A growing scholarship program provides financial support to ensure Sun ’n Fun’s education programs are accessible to all. For more information, access Sun ’n Fun’s website ( www.sun-n-fun.org ) or call the Sun ’n Fun offices (863–644–2431).

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EDITOR’S NOTE: More information, including photographs of the V-22 Osprey can be found at http://www.boeing.com/rotorcraft/military/v22/index.htm

For more information contact:
Donna Gabriel
863-644-2431 or dgabriel@sun-n-fun.org