SE Kansas News

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) recently spoke on the Senate Floor to recognize "National Aviation History Month" and highlight Kansas' significant contributions to the aviation industry. He emphasized, "Kansas is an aviation hub, and it has a rich history in aviation manufacturing." Moran noted that Kansas has been pivotal in fostering America's leadership in aviation, being home to numerous engineers and manufacturers who have supported this heritage for over a century.

Moran detailed the historical development of aviation in Kansas, beginning with Albin Longren's creation of the Longren Flyer in 1911. He mentioned Clyde Cessna's pioneering aircraft, the "Silverwing," also developed in 1911. Furthermore, he acknowledged the formation of Travel Air Manufacturing Company by Clyde Cessna, Lloyd Stearman, and Walter Beech, which later led to globally recognized companies headquartered in Wichita: Cessna Aircraft Company, Stearman Aircraft, and Beech Aircraft Company.

During World War II, Kansans significantly contributed to aircraft production efforts by manufacturing nearly 26,000 planes. Post-war developments included The Boeing Company's mid-flight refueling tests using B-29 Superfortress bombers and delivering KC-135 Stratotankers to the United States Air Force.

The senator highlighted that aside from agriculture, aviation and aerospace industries are major job providers in Kansas. He stated that these sectors support over 65,000 jobs across more than 450 suppliers. Kansas is responsible for producing a substantial portion of general aviation aircraft in America.

Recent advancements include Bombardier delivering its first Global 6500 aircraft to the U.S. Army and Wichita State University's National Institute for Aviation Research receiving a Boeing 747-8i as part of a partnership with Sierra Nevada Corporation on an Air Force program.

Moran pointed out that Kansas is diversifying its aerospace activities with companies like General Atomics participating in NASA’s Artemis Program. Additionally, essential components are being developed for commercial space providers such as SpaceX and Blue Origin.

He also mentioned notable museums across Kansas showcasing its rich aviation history and concluded by reiterating Kansas' role as an integral part of America's aviation story: "You cannot talk about aviation without talking about Kansas."