AirVenture 2009 - AeroShell Square

Every AirVenture has its Star of the Show.  This year there were two:  Burt Rutan's White Knight Two and the massive Airbus 380.

Not sure where I got this picture, but it's a perfect shot of AeroShell square with White Knight Two and the Airbus clearly visible.  You can also see the British Lancaster down there.  It's tiny compared to the Airbus. 

 
White Kngiht Two coming in for the first time. 
 
White Knight Two is designed to carry Space Ship Two up to 50,000 feet or so.  Then Space Ship Two will separate and take space tourists into sub-orbital space, 68 miles up. 
 
Ultimately, they'd like to be able to put satellites into orbit using the White Knight Two/Space Ship Two system, at a fraction of what it cost via a conventional rocket.  I have no doubt Burt Rutan can put the inept federal government out of the satellite launching business. 
 
White Knight Two in flight. 
 
 
The Airbus arrived and flew around before landing.
 
The Airbus taxiing in.  This giant really attracted a crowd. 
 
 
The little RV-8 under the Airbus fuselage belongs to the co-pilot.
 
Even on the big boys they use duct tape!
  
I had to stand in line for an hour, but it was worth it to be able to walk through the Airbus. 
  

Inside the Airbus.  It doesn't look a whole lot bigger than say a 747.  But guess this, this is only one of two levels, both the same size!
   
This particular aircraft was being used for testing.  These liquid containers are connected so they can shift liquid around to test different weight and balance scenarios. 
  
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