RAD Aerosports Jet Waco

Starting life as a classic 1929 Taperwing Waco, this was once the aircraft of choice for barnstormers in the 1930’s and 1940’s. Our Jet Waco has been completely redesigned and structurally reinforced using modern day engineering and materials, along with state-of-the art technology to allow the addition of a jet engine to the aircraft.

The Jet Waco is powered by dual power plants: a Pratt & Whitney 985 radial engine and a General Electric CJ610 (J85) jet engine with 3,000 lbs. of thrust. Total thrust of the combined engines is rated at 4,500 lbs. A three bladed Hartzell propeller is used to harness the power of the 985 radial.

This system allows the plane to achieve feats most other aircraft are unable to do, along with reaching speeds up to 250 mph. Snap rolls, spins, barrel rolls and the hover are among the list of maneuvers this aircraft can perform. The plane has a thrust ratio of greater than 1 to 1, which allows it to accelerate going straight up.

The RAD Aerosports Team

It all started back in the early ’80s when two gnarly dudes were born, one in North Dakota, the other Delaware, not knowing where their lives would take them or that they were destined to meet someday and collaborate on an ultimate aviation journey-with one goal in mind, doing something totally RAD!

Interested in aviation from a young age, they were both hooked after attending their first airshow and eventually taking their first aerobatic flight and knew they needed to be a part of the airshow alumni someday. Dell joined the air national guard becoming a crew chief on the C-130 and later flying many corporate jets around the globe. Dell is an accomplished pilot and mechanic. Dell became part of John Klatt’s Airshows team and was one of the original builders on the Jet Waco. Jarrod took over the family business with aircraft maintenance and aerial ag application, eventually building new facilities and expanding the business with his brother Paul who also flies airshows. Jarrod has accumulated thousands of hours in multiple aircraft from small piston to corporate jets - anything he can get his hands on!

Jarrod met Dell through John Klatt at airshows and started to talk about ideas and a future vision of the airshow world - the two became close friends. Jarrod acquired the Jet Waco after John Klatt’s retirement. Jarrod and Dell are continuing the journey with the Jet Waco and already have a few other ideas on the table to expand their partnership offerings! Team RAD’s vision for the future is to showcase and share their love of aviation with the next generations of aviators no matter what age. RAD looks to engage like-minded partners and continue to build on our unique and exciting brand of entertainment while blending old technology with new and keeping the youth dreaming that anything is possible.

Dell lives with his wife, Tonya in Boise, Idaho.

Jarrod lives in Valley City, North Dakota, with his wife Danielle, and four kids.