Kent State University hosted its annual Aeronautics and Engineering Expo on Sept. 6 at Kent State University Airport, drawing families for a day of aviation excitement and STEM education.
The event featured the iconic Goodyear Blimp, piloted by Kent State alumni. The airship returned to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first blimp's christening, which took place on what is now the Kent State airfield. The retro-painted blimp was moored on site during the expo before departing around 11 a.m.
Static aircraft displays included the Douglas C-53 Skytrooper "Beach City Baby," B-25 Mitchell Bomber "Champaign Gal," a TBM Avenger and modern fixed-wing and rotor aircraft.
Visitors took airplane rides in Kent State's fleet aircraft, while Liberty Aviation Museum showcased its 1928 Ford Tri-Motor 5-AT and offered passenger flights for adults and children.
The expo highlighted modern engineering and technology with hourly outdoor drone demonstrations featuring the Alta X, E455 VTOL and Sentaro V. Inside the hangar, visitors explored the Drone Experience Tent, operated robotics and watched Kent State's FANUC industrial robots. Hands-on exhibits included metal casting, 3-D printing demonstrations and the college's robot dog, Yimo.
Hourly tours of the FedEx Aeronautics Academic Center were offered throughout the day. MAPS Air Museum featured educational displays and interactive exhibits, offering discounted museum tickets to attendees.
Props-4-Paws, an alumni-founded charity based at Kent State Airport, operated a donation booth for pet supplies and monetary contributions. The group sold branded merchandise, with proceeds benefiting local animal shelters. The expo is the charity's largest annual fundraiser.
