This year’s AirVenture show in Oshkosh, Wisconsin was one of the biggest air shows in the world. It was the first time in 60 years that two B-29 bombers flew in formation, and spectators were also amazed at a custom Ford Raptor. The show is organized and hosted by the EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association), which was founded in Oshkosh in 1953. What started as a flying club of WWII Veterans is now an international organization with over 200,000 members.
One of their biggest programs is the Young Eagles. It is a program aimed at getting kids interested in flight by taking them for rides in the sky. With a history of famous commanders, they have been led by General Chuck Yeager, Captain Sully Sullenberger, and Harrison Ford. Speaking of Ford, they have been a major part of American aviation. When Henry Ford adapted assembly lines to aircraft, the indestructible Ford Tri-Motor became the Model T of the air. When the Air Force was taking a beating from the Luftwaffe, Ford built the Willow Run Plant that turned out new B-24 bombers every 55 minutes.
To support the Young Eagles, Ford partnered with DeBerti Design to build the custom Raptor. Taking cues from the Lockheed-Martin F-22 Raptor, the DeBerti brothers started with a titanium grille and then replaced the hood and fender flares with carbon fiber pieces of their own design. Addictive Desert Designs provided the front suspension and Deaver supplied progressive rear springs. Shocks are full bypass units from Fox Racing, and the wheels are forged bead-locks from Innov8. The cab is topped by 1.3 Million Candela of LED illumination from KC HiLites. Turning up the boost creates more heat, so a giant Whipple intercooler was used to make 545 horsepower and 660 lb-ft of torque.
Ford has provided an auction car since 2008, and they have donated over $3 Million to the cause. The highest bid for the Raptor was $300,000 from Gary Ackerman from Gaudin Ford in Las Vegas. It couldn’t have gone to a better home because Gary is the Honorary Commander & Ambassador of the F-22 Squadron at Nellis AFB. If you are wondering why Las Vegas needs protection from the world’s most lethal fighter, your answer is an Area that is 51 miles north of the city… Aviation and the aftermarket have embraced the new Ford F150 Raptor, so take a look our Fords for sale and stay with us for all your Raptor news.
