July 1988 - USAF Nuseum in Dayton

1988 Our lives in America
Boeing P-12E. Developed by the Boeing Aircraft Co. at its own expense, the P-12 was became one of the most successful American fighters produced between the World Wars. Flown by both the Army and the Navy (as the F4B), the P-12 series consisted of an initial version and five additional models, B through F. The early versions used fabric-covered fuselages of bolted aluminum tubing, but the P-12E and F fuselages employed an all-metal, semimonocoque (stressed skin) construction. However, the P-12 did not complete the evolution into an all-metal aircraft because all variants had wooden wings with fabric covering. TECHNICAL NOTES: Armament: Two .30-cal. or one .30-cal. and one .50-cal. machine guns; 244 lbs. of bombs carried externally Engine: Pratt & Whitney R-1340-17 of 500 hp Maximum speed: 189 mph Cruising speed: 160 mph Range: 570 miles Ceiling: 26,300 ft. Span: 30 ft. Length: 20 ft. 4 in. Height: 9 ft. Weight: 2,690 lbs. loaded Serial number: 31-559 Curtis P-6E Hawk. Starting in 1925 with the P-1, Curtis built a long series of fighters carrying the name "Hawk." Of the eight different P-6 models produced, the P-6E remains the best known. Originally designated the Y1P-22, the U.S. Army Air Corps redesignated this aircraft the P-6E because of its similarity to the other P-6s. Curtiss delivered 46 P-6E Hawks, the last biplane fighter built in quantity for the Air Corps. Never used in combat, the P-6E is recognized as one of the most beautiful aircraft of the 1930s. TECHNICAL NOTES: Armament: Two .30-cal. machine guns Engine: Curtiss V-1570 of 600 hp Maximum speed: 204 mph Cruising speed: 167 mph Range: 480 miles Ceiling: 24,400 ft. Span: 31 ft. 6 in. Length: 23 ft. 2 in. Height: 8 ft. 11 in. Weight: 3,432 lbs. loaded Beech UC43 Traveler. The Beechcraft Model 17 Staggerwing is an American biplane with an atypical negative wing stagger (the lower wing is farther forward than the upper wing). It first flew in 1932. TECHNICAL NOTES: Engine: Pratt & Whitney R-985 of 450 hp Maximum speed: 212 mph Cruising speed: 202 mph Range: 785 miles Ceiling: 20,000 ft. Span: 32 ft. Length: 26 ft. 1 1/2 in. Height: 8 ft. Weight: 4,250 lbs. maximum Curtis P40E Warhawk. The P-40 was the United States' best fighter available in large numbers when World War II began. P-40s engaged Japanese aircraft at Pearl Harbor and in the Philippines in December 1941. They also served with the famed Flying Tigers in China in 1942, and in North Africa in 1943 with the 99th Fighter Squadron, the first African American U.S. fighter unit. TECHNICAL NOTES: Armament: Six .50-cal. machine guns, 700 lbs. of bombs externally Engine: Allison V-1710 of 1,150 hp Maximum speed: 362 mph Cruising speed: 235 mph Range: 850 miles Ceiling: 30,000 ft. Span: 37 ft. 4 in. Length: 31 ft. 9 in. Height: 12 ft. 4 in. Weight: 9,100 lbs. loaded
Curtiss P-36A Hawk. The P-36, developed from the Curtiss Hawk Model 75 originally designed for France, was first produced for the US Army Air Corps in 1938. The Air Corps obtained 243 P-36s, including 30 P-36G export models seized by the US government in 1942 because of the German occupation of Norway. TECHNICAL NOTES: Armament: Two .30-cal. or two .50-cal. machine guns Engine: Pratt & Whitney R-1830 of 1,050 hp Maximum speed: 313 mph Range: 830 miles Ceiling: 32,700 ft Weight: 5,650 lbs loaded Supermarine Spitfire Mark LF XVI E Speed 408 mph Wright R3350 Engine donated by NCR. DOES THIS COMPANY'S GENEROSITY KNOW NO BOUNDS? The Wright R-3350 Duplex-Cyclone was one of the most powerful radial aircraft engines produced by the United States. Based on the earlier Wright Cyclone engines, the R-3350 first ran in May 1937, and its first major military use was to power the Boeing B-29. Vultee BT-13B Valiant. The Valiant was the basic trainer most widely used by the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. It represented the second of the three stages of pilot training -- primary, basic and advanced. Compared with the primary trainers in use at the time, it was considerably more complex. The BT-13 not only had a more powerful engine, it was also faster and heavier. In addition, it required the student pilot to use two-way radio communications with the ground and to operate landing flaps and a two-position variable pitch propeller. TECHNICAL NOTES: Engine: Pratt & Whitney R-985 of 450 hp Maximum speed: 155 mph Cruising speed: 130 mph Range: 880 miles Ceiling: 19,400 ft. Span: 42 ft. 2 in. Length: 28 ft. 8 1/2 in. Height: 12 ft. 4 3/4 in. Weight: 4,227 lbs. loaded Serial number: 42-90629
B1 Bomber. Boeing B-1B Lancer The Boeing (formerly Rockwell International) B-1B Lancer is the improved variant of the B-1A, which was cancelled in 1977. Initiated in 1981, the first production model of this long-range, multi-role, heavy bomber flew in October 1984. The first operational B-1B was delivered to Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, in June 1985, and the final B-1B was delivered in 1988. TECHNICAL NOTES: Crew: Four (aircraft commander, copilot, offensive systems officer, defensive systems officer) Engines: Four General Electric F-101-GE-102 turbofan engines of 30,000+ lbs. thrust each, with afterburner Wingspan: 137 ft. extended forward, 79 ft. swept aft Length: 146 ft. Height: 34 ft. Douglas VC-118 “The Independence” This Douglas VC-118 on display was the second aircraft built specifically to transport the President of the United States. A military version of the Douglas DC-6 commercial airliner, it was used by President Harry S. Truman from 1947 to 1953. At the suggestion of the aircraft’s pilot, President Truman named it The Independence in recognition of his hometown, Independence, Mo. TECHNICAL NOTES: Crew: Nine (plus 25 passengers) Engines: Four Pratt & Whitney R-2800s of 2,100 hp each Maximum speed: 360 mph Range: 4,400 miles Ceiling: 31,200 feet Weight: 93,200 lbs. (loaded) A British Westland Lysander. The Westland Lysander is a British army co-operation and liaison aircraft produced by Westland Aircraft that was used immediately before and during the Second World War. After becoming obsolete in the army co-operation role, the aircraft's short-field performance enabled clandestine missions using small, improvised airstrips behind enemy lines to place or recover agents, particularly in occupied France with the help of the French Resistance. Royal Air Force army co-operation aircraft were named after mythical or historical military leaders; in this case the Spartan admiral Lysander was chosen. Super Constellation engine, Wright 3380 TC. As an apprentice at Qantas, I used to do routine maintenance on these engines. I particularly enjoyed doing the propellers.
Republic P-47D (Bubble Canopy Version). Renowned for its ruggedness, firepower and speed, the massive Republic P-47 was one of the most famous and important USAAF fighters during World War II. Produced in larger numbers than any other U.S. fighter, the Thunderbolt -- affectionately nicknamed the "Jug" -- served as a bomber escort and as a very effective ground attack fighter. TECHNICAL NOTES: Armament: Eight .50-cal machine guns and 2,500 lbs. of bombs or rockets Engine: One Pratt & Whitney R-2800 radial of 2,430 hp Maximum speed: 433 mph Cruising speed: 350 mph Range: Approx. 1,100 miles with drop tanks Ceiling: 42,000 ft. Span: 40 ft. 9 in. Length: 36 ft. 2 in. Height: 14 ft. 8 in. Weight: 17,500 lbs. maximum Boeing KC-97L Stratofreighter. A cargo version of the B-29, the C-97 Stratofreighter first flew in November 1944. Boeing introduced the tanker version, KC-97 with the "flying boom" refueling system, in 1950. In all, the USAF ordered 890 aircraft: 74 C-97s and 816 KC-97s. TECHNICAL NOTES: Engines: Four Pratt & Whitney R-4360s of 3,500 hp each and two General Electric J47 turbojets of 5,970 lbs. thrust each Maximum speed: 400 mph Range: 2,300 miles Span: 141 ft. 2 in. Length: 117 ft. 5 in. (with boom retracted) Height: 38 ft. 4 in. Weight: 153,000 lbs. normal maximum Serial number: 52-2630 Fisher P-75A Eagle. The Fisher Body Division of General Motors developed the P-75 Eagle to fill an urgent need for an interceptor early in World War II. The original P-75 design incorporated the most powerful inline engine available and components from other aircraft as a way to expedite production. TECHNICAL NOTES (P-75A): Armament: 10 .50-cal. machine guns and two 500-lb. bombs Engine: Allison V-3420 of 2,885 hp Maximum speed: 430 mph Range: 2,600 miles Service ceiling: 36,400 feet Weight: 19,420 lbs. loaded The Boeing EC-135 is a retired family of command and control aircraft derived from the Boeing C-135 Stratolifter. During the Cold War, the EC-135 was best known for being modified to perform the Looking Glass mission where one EC-135 was always airborne 24 hours a day to serve as flying command post for the Strategic Air Command in the event of nuclear war. Various other EC-135 aircraft sat on airborne and ground alert throughout the Cold War, with the last EC-135C being retired in 1998. The EC-135N variant served as the tracking aircraft for the Apollo program.
Junkers Ju 52. The Ju 52 trimotor, like the USAF C-47, was first built in the 1930s and remained in service for more than a quarter century. This transport made its maiden flight in April 1931, and three years later, a heavy bomber version appeared. The latter aircraft formed the nucleus of the Luftwaffe's infant bomber force in the mid-1930s, and it was used during the Spanish Civil War. TECHNICAL NOTES (transport version): Armament: Four 7.9mm machine guns Engines: Three BMW 132T-2 engines of 830 hp each Maximum speed: 178 mph Cruising speed: 134 mph Range: 810 miles Service ceiling: 19,360 ft. Span: 95 ft. 11 1/2 in. Length: 62 ft. Height: 18 ft. 2 1/2 in. Weight: 24,250 lbs. loaded Serial number: T.2B-244 (CASA 352L) Junkers Ju 88D-1/Trop. The German Ju 88 was one of the most versatile airplanes of World War II. It operated in nearly every kind of combat role, including dive bomber, level bomber, night fighter, day interceptor, photographic reconnaissance, tank destroyer and even as an unpiloted missile. The Ju 88 made its first flight on Dec. 21, 1936, and hundreds remained in use when the war ended in 1945. TECHNICAL NOTES: Armament: Six 7.92mm machine guns Engines: Two Junkers Jumo 211s of 1,200 hp each Maximum speed: 295 mph Cruising speed: 225 mph Range: 1,553 mph Ceiling: 27,880 ft. Span: 65 ft. 10 in. Length: 47 ft. 1 in. Height: 15 ft. 11 in. Weight: 26,700 lbs. Lockheed EC-121D Constellation. The EC-121, originally designated RC-121, was a radar-picket version of the U.S. Air Force's C-121 passenger airplane. The EC-121 provided early warning by detecting and tracking enemy aircraft with the electronic gear in the large radomes above and below its fuselage. TECHNICAL NOTES: Engines: Four Wright R-3350s of 3,400 hp each Crew: Varied, but usually 17 Maximum speed: 290 mph Cruising speed: 240 mph Range: 4,000 miles Ceiling: 18,000 ft. Span: 126 ft. 2 in. Length: 116 ft. 2 in. Height: 27 ft. Weight: 145,000 lbs. In 1988, entrance to the new section.
North American F-86D Sabre. An intelligence warning in 1948 prompted the U.S. Air Force to hurriedly develop an all-weather interceptor. Starting with the basic airframe of its F-86A, North American incorporated two unprecedented concepts into the F-86D (initially designated the F-95). First, a highly sophisticated electronic system replaced the second crewmember carried by other interceptors of the time. Second, the F-86D became the first production single-seat fighter to which air-to-air missiles replaced the classic gun armament. With its air intake reshaped to make room for the enclosed radar, the F-86D presented a distinctive profile. Boeing B-52D Stratofortress. After it became operational in 1955, the B-52 remained the main long-range heavy bomber of the US Air Force during the Cold War, and it continues to be an important part of the USAF bomber force today. Nearly 750 were built before production ended in the fall of 1962; 170 of these were B-52Ds. TECHNICAL NOTES: Armament: Four .50-cal. machine guns in tail plus up to 60,000+ lbs. of conventional or nuclear bombs Engines: Eight Pratt & Whitney J57s of 12,100 lbs. thrust each Maximum speed: 638 mph Range: 8,338 miles unrefueled Ceiling: 49,400 ft. Span: 185 ft. Length: 156 ft. 6 in. Height: 48 ft. 4 in. Weight: 450,000 lbs. maximum North American A-36A Mustang. The A-36A dive bomber was the first US Army Air Forces version of the Mustang, officially developed for Britain in 1940. The first A-36 flew in September 1942, and North American Aviation completed production of 500 A-36As in March 1943. TECHNICAL NOTES: Armament: Six .50-cal. machine guns; 1,000 lbs of bombs externally Engine: Allison V-1710 of 1,325 hp Maximum speed: 365 mph Cruising speed: 250 mph Range: 550 miles Ceiling: 25,100 ft. Span: 37 ft. Length: 32 ft. 3 in. Height: 12 ft. 2 in. Weight: 10,000 lbs. loaded Serial number: 42-83665 Douglas C-47D Skytrain. Few aircraft are as well known, were so widely used or used as long as the C-47. Affectionately nicknamed the "Gooney Bird," this aircraft was adapted from the Douglas DC-3 commercial airliner. The U.S. Army Air Corps ordered its first C-47s in 1940, and by the end of World War II, procured a total of 9,348. These C-47s carried personnel and cargo around the globe. They also towed troop carrying gliders, dropped paratroops into enemy territory, and air evacuated sick or wounded patients. A C-47 could carry 28 passengers, 18-22 fully equipped paratroopers, about 6,000 lbs. of cargo or 18 stretchers and three medical personnel. TECHNICAL NOTES: Engines: Two Pratt & Whitney R-1830s of 1,200 hp each Maximum speed: 232 mph Range: 1,513 miles
Douglas C47 Douglas C124C Globemaster. C-124s provided heavy airlift during the Korean War and the Southeast Asia War. Other important airlifts conducted by C-124s included resupply missions to Antarctica, refugee evacuation in the Congo and mercy flights to Morocco, Chile and elsewhere throughout the world following floods and other natural disasters. TECHNICAL NOTES: Maximum speed: 320 mph Range: 2,175 miles Span: 174 ft. 1 in. Length: 130 ft. Height: 48 ft. 4 in. Weight: 216,000 lbs. maximum Serial number: 52-1066 Douglas B18 to the right of the C124. The Douglas Aircraft Co. developed the B-18 to replace the Martin B-10 as the U.S. Army Air Corps' standard bomber. Based on the Douglas DC-2 commercial transport, the prototype B-18 competed with the Martin 146 (an improved B-10) and the four engine Boeing 299, forerunner of the B-17, at the Air Corps bombing trials at Wright Field in 1935. Although many Air Corps officers judged the Boeing design superior, the Army General Staff preferred the less costly Bolo (along with 13 operational test YB-17s). The Air Corps later ordered 217 more as B-18As with the bombardier's position extended forward over the nose gunner's station. TECHNICAL NOTES: Armament: Three .30-cal. guns (in nose, ventral and dorsal positions), plus 4,500 lbs. of bombs carried internally Engines: Two Wright R-1820-53s of 1,000 hp each Crew: Six Maximum speed: 215 mph at 15,000 ft. Cruising speed: 167 mph Range: 2,100 miles Ceiling: 23,900 ft. Span: 89 ft. 6 in. Length: 57 ft. 10 in. Height: 15 ft. 2 in. Weight: 27,000 lbs. loaded Serial number: 37-0469 North American F-100F Super Sabre. After the single seat, supersonic F-100 fighter entered service in 1954, it developed a high accident rate, in part due to pilot inexperience with the Super Sabre. In response North American built a two seat training version -- the F-100F -- to train new Super Sabre pilots. TECHNICAL NOTES: Armament: Two M-39 20mm cannons with 175 rounds and a maximum of 5,000 lbs. of external stores Maximum speed: 875 mph Range: 1,661 miles
North American T28A Trojan. Designed to replace the World War II era T-6 trainer, the T-28 possessed higher performance than its forerunner and was easier to maintain. Also, the Trojan's tricycle landing gear taught pilots to take off and land in the same fashion as the high-performance aircraft they were training to fly. TECHNICAL NOTES: Engine: Wright R-1300 of 800 hp Maximum speed: 283 mph Cruising speed: 190 mph Range: 1,000 miles Ceiling: 25,200 ft. Span: 40 ft. 7 in. Length: 32 ft. Height: 12 ft. 8 in. Weight: 7,812 lbs. without external load Serial number: 49-1494 Lockheed F-94A Starfire. Developed from the T-33 Shooting Star, the two-place F-94 was the first American all-weather jet interceptor and the first U.S. production jet to have an afterburner. The large radar in the nose permitted the observer in the rear seat to locate an enemy aircraft at night or in poor weather. The pilot then flew the Starfire into proper position for an attack based upon the observer's radar indications. TECHNICAL NOTES: Armament: Four .50-cal. machine guns Engine: Allison J33 of 6,000 lbs. thrust with afterburner Maximum speed: 630 mph Range: 930 miles Ceiling: 42,750 ft. Span: 38 ft. 9 in. Length: 40 ft. 1 in. Height: 12 ft. 2 in. Weight: 15,330 lbs. Serial number: 49-2498 Lockheed F-104C Starfighter. Designed as a supersonic superiority fighter, the F-104 was produced in two major versions. Armed with a six-barrel M-61 20mm Vulcan cannon, it served as a tactical fighter, and when equipped additionally with heat seeking Sidewinder missiles, as a day night interceptor. Development of the F-104 began in 1952, and the first XF-104 made its initial flight in 1954. On May 18, 1958, an F-104A set a world speed record of 1,404.19 mph, and on Dec. 14, 1959, an F-104C set a world altitude record of 103,395 feet. The Starfighter was the first aircraft to hold simultaneous official world records for speed, altitude and time-to-climb. TECHNICAL NOTES: Armament: One M-61 20mm cannon, two air-to-air missiles, nuclear or conventional bombs Engine: General Electric J79 of 15,800 lbs. thrust with afterburner Crew: One Maximum speed: 1,320 mph Cruising speed: 575 mph Range: 1,250 miles Ceiling: 58,000 ft. Span: 21 ft. 11 in. Length: 54 ft. 10 in. Height: 13 ft. 6 in. Weight: 27,853 lbs. maximum Serial number: 56-914 Martin B-57B Canberra. After the Korean War began in 1950, the U.S. Air Force looked for a jet powered medium bomber to quickly replace the aging, propeller driven Douglas B-26 Invader. In March 1951 the USAF contracted with Martin to build the British Canberra in the United States under license. The Martin built B-57 made its first flight in July 1953, and when production ended in 1959, a total of 403 Canberras had been produced for the USAF. TECHNICAL NOTES: Armament: Eight .50-cal. M3 machine guns or four 20mm M39 cannons and approx. 7,500 lbs. maximum of internal and external stores Engines: Two Wright J65-W-5 turbojets of 7200 lbs. static thrust each Maximum speed: 570 mph Cruising speed: 450 mph Range: 2,000 miles Ceiling: 49,000 ft. Span: 64 ft. Length: 65 ft. 6 in. Height: 15 ft. 6 in. Weight: 58,800 lbs. maximum
Lockheed YF-12A. The YF-12 was developed in the 1960s as a high altitude, Mach 3 interceptor to defend against supersonic bombers. Based on the A-12 reconnaissance aircraft, the YF-12A became the forerunner of the highly sophisticated SR-71 strategic reconnaissance aircraft. The first of three YF-12s flew in August 1963. In May 1965, the first and third YF-12s set several records, including a speed record of 2,070.101 mph and an altitude record of 80,257.65 feet. For their speed record flight, Col. Robert L. "Fox" Stephens (pilot) and Lt. Col. Daniel Andre (fire control officer) received the 1965 Thompson Trophy. Though the aircraft performed well, the F-12 interceptor program ended in early 1968. High costs, the ongoing war in Southeast Asia, and a lower priority on air defense of the US all contributed to the cancellation. The aircraft on display -- the second one built -- was recalled from storage in 1969 for a joint USAF/NASA investigation of supersonic cruise technology. It was flown to the museum in 1979, and it is the only remaining YF-12A in existence (the first YF-12A was damaged beyond repair after a landing mishap, and the third YF-12A was destroyed after the crew ejected to escape an inflight fire). TECHNICAL NOTES: Armament: Three Hughes AIM-47A missiles Engines: Two Pratt & Whitney J58s of 32,000 lbs. thrust each (with afterburner) Crew: Two Maximum speed: Mach 3+ Range: 2,000+ miles Service ceiling: Above 80,000 feet Weight: 127,000 lbs. loaded North American XB-70 Valkyrie. The futuristic XB-70A was originally conceived in the 1950s as a high altitude, nuclear strike bomber that could fly at Mach 3 (three times the speed of sound) -- any potential enemy would have been unable to defend against such a bomber. By the early 1960s, however, new Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAMs) threatened the survivability of high-speed, high altitude bombers. Less costly, nuclear armed ICBMs (Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles) were also entering service. As a result, in 1961, the expensive B-70 bomber program was canceled before any Valkyries had been completed or flown.
Bell X-1B. The X-1B was one of a series of rocket powered experimental airplanes designed to investigate supersonic flight problems. The X-1B’s flight research primarily related to aerodynamic heating and the use of small “reaction” rockets for directional control. TECHNICAL NOTES: Engine: Reaction Motors XLR-11-RM-6 four-chamber rocket engine of 6,000 lbs. thrust Maximum speed: 1,650 mph Maximum altitude: 90,000 feet Landing speed: 170 mph Weight: 16,590 lbs. loaded Reaction Motors XLR99 Rocket. The XLR99 powered the record-breaking X-15 on its fastest flights at nearly seven times the speed of sound. It was the first large, throttleable, restartable liquid propellant rocket engine to be used in a piloted vehicle. The engine was used only in the X-15 program, which rocketed humans to the edge of space. The X-15A-2 in this gallery has an XLR99 engine. TECHNICAL NOTES: Thrust: 50,000 lbs. at sea level; 57,000 lbs at 45,000 ft; 57,850 lbs. at 100,000 feet Propellants: Liquid anhydrous ammonia fuel and liquid oxygen oxidizer Weight: 915 lbs. including turbopump Douglas X-3 Stiletto. The twin-turbojet X-3, the only one built, was designed to test sustained flight at twice the speed of sound. It also explored the use of very short wings and titanium airframe construction. Engine development difficulties forced the use of lower powered engines than originally planned, prohibiting the X-3 from achieving its Mach 2 design potential. Even so, data gained from the X-3 program greatly benefited the F-104, X-15, SR-71 and other high performance aircraft. North American X-15A-2. The X-15 is a famous and significant part of aviation history. Its purpose was to fly high and fast, testing the machine and subjecting pilots to conditions that future astronauts would face. It made the first manned flights to the edges of space and was the world’s first piloted aircraft to reach hypersonic speeds, or more than five times the speed of sound. The X-15 was an important tool for developing spaceflight in the 1960s, and pilots flying above 50 miles altitude in the X-15 earned astronaut wings.
Convair B-58A Hustler. The U.S. Air Force's first operational supersonic bomber, the B-58 made its initial flight on Nov. 11, 1956. In addition to the Hustler's delta wing shape, distinctive features included a sophisticated inertial guidance navigation and bombing system, a slender "wasp-waist" fuselage and an extensive use of heat-resistant honeycomb sandwich skin panels in the wings and fuselage. Since the thin fuselage prevented the carrying of bombs internally, a droppable, two-component pod beneath the fuselage contained a nuclear weapon -- along with extra fuel, reconnaissance equipment or other specialized gear. The B-58 crew consisted of a pilot, navigator/bombardier and defense systems operator. Convair built 116 B-58s: 30 test and pre-production aircraft and 86 for operational service. Hustlers flew in the Strategic Air Command between 1960 and 1970. Setting 19 world speed and altitude records, B-58s also won five different aviation trophies. Northrop F-89J Scorpion. Northrop designed the F-89 as an all-weather fighter-interceptor for the Air Defense Command. With the radar operator in the rear seat guiding the pilot, the F-89 could locate, intercept and destroy enemy aircraft by day or night under all types of weather conditions. The first F-89 made its initial flight in August 1948 and deliveries to the Air Force began in July 1950. Northrop produced a total of 1,050 F-89s for the Air Force. TECHNICAL NOTES: Armament: Two AIR-2A Genie air-to-air rockets with nuclear warheads plus four AIM-4C Falcon missiles Engines: Two Allison J35s of 7,200 lbs. thrust each (with afterburner) Maximum speed: 627 mph Cruising speed: 465 mph Range: 1,600 miles Ceiling: 45,000 ft. Span: 59 ft. 10 in. Length: 53 ft. 8 in. Height: 17 ft. 6 in. Weight: 47,700 lbs. maximum Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17F. The Soviet MiG-17 (NATO code-name "Fresco") was designed to replace the famous MiG-15 of the Korean War. Although similar in appearance to the MiG-15, the MiG-17 had more sharply swept wings, a longer fuselage, an afterburner, and better speed and handling characteristics. The first flight of a MiG-17 prototype took place in January 1950, and production began in late 1951. The first operational MiG-17s appeared in 1952, but they were not available in sufficient quantities to take part in the Korean War. Five versions of the aircraft eventually were produced. The MiG-17 has served in the air arms of at least 20 nations throughout the world -- including nations friendly to the United States -- and was flown against U.S. aircraft in Southeast Asia. TECHNICAL NOTES: Armament: One 37mm and two 23mm cannons and 16 rockets in underwing pods or 1,100 lbs. of bombs Engine: Klimov VK-1F of 7,452 lbs. thrust Maximum speed: 711 mph Range: 510 miles (1,160 miles with external tanks) Ceiling: 57,000 ft. Span: 31 ft. 7 in. Length: 36 ft. 5 in. Height: 12 ft. 6 in. Weight: 13,380 lbs. maximum McDonnell Douglas F-4C Phantom II. First flown in May 1958, the Phantom II originally was developed for U.S. Navy fleet defense. The U.S. Air Force's first version, the F-4C, made its first flight in May 1963, and production deliveries began six months later. Phantom II production ended in 1979 after over 5,000 had been built -- more than 2,600 for the USAF, about 1,200 for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, and the rest for friendly foreign nations. TECHNICAL NOTES: Armament: Up to 16,000 lbs. of externally carried ordnance Engines: Two General Electric J-79-GE-15s of 17,000 lbs. thrust each Maximum speed: 1,400 mph Cruising speed: 590 mph Range: 1,750 miles Ceiling: 59,600 ft. Span: 38 ft. 5 in. (27 ft. 6 in. folded) Length: 58 ft. 2 in. Height: 16 ft. 6 in. Weight: 58,000 lbs. loaded
Northrop F-89J Scorpion. Northrop designed the F-89 as an all-weather fighter-interceptor for the Air Defense Command. With the radar operator in the rear seat guiding the pilot, the F-89 could locate, intercept and destroy enemy aircraft by day or night under all types of weather conditions. The first F-89 made its initial flight in August 1948 and deliveries to the Air Force began in July 1950. Northrop produced a total of 1,050 F-89s for the Air Force. TECHNICAL NOTES: Armament: Two AIR-2A Genie air-to-air rockets with nuclear warheads plus four AIM-4C Falcon missiles Engines: Two Allison J35s of 7,200 lbs. thrust each (with afterburner) Maximum speed: 627 mph Cruising speed: 465 mph Range: 1,600 miles Ceiling: 45,000 ft. Span: 59 ft. 10 in. Length: 53 ft. 8 in. Height: 17 ft. 6 in. Weight: 47,700 lbs. maximum North American B-45C Tornado. The B-45 achieved many "firsts." It was the first American four-engine jet bomber to fly; the first American production jet bomber; the first jet bomber capable of carrying an atomic bomb; and the first multi-jet reconnaissance aircraft to refuel in mid-air. TECHNICAL NOTES: Armament: Two .50-cal. machine guns in the tail and 22,000 lbs. of bombs Engines: Four General Electric J47s of 6,000 lbs. thrust each Maximum speed: 570 mph Range: 1,000 miles Ceiling: 37,550 ft. Span: 89 ft. Length: 75 ft. 4 in. Height: 25 ft. 2 in. Weight: 110,000 lbs. maximum Serial number: 48-0010 Consolidated OA-10 Catalina. The OA-10 was the U.S. Army Air Forces' version of the PBY series flown extensively by the U.S. Navy during World War II. It was a twin-engine, parasol-mounted monoplane equipped with a flying boat hull, retractable tricycle landing gear and retractable wing-tip floats. The OA-10 operated primarily for air-sea rescue work ("DUMBO" missions) with the USAAF's Emergency Rescue Squadrons throughout WWII and for several years thereafter. During the war, OA-10 crews rescued hundreds of downed fliers. TECHNICAL NOTES: Armament: Two .50-cal. machine guns in the waist, two .30-cal. machine guns (one in the bow and another in a rear tunnel), and 8,000 lbs. of bombs Engines: Two Pratt & Whitney R-1830-92s of 1,200 hp each Maximum speed: 184 mph Cruising speed: 120 mph Range: 2,325 miles Ceiling: 22,400 ft. Span: 104 ft. Length: 63 ft. 10 in. Height: 20 ft. 1 in. Weight: 36,400 lbs. loaded Martin X-24B. The X-24B aircraft showed that a “lifting body” could glide through the atmosphere and make a precise landing on a runway like an airplane. A lifting body is a fixed-wing air or spacecraft in which the body itself produces lift. X-24 studies supported space shuttle development in the early 1970s. The U.S. Air Force, NASA and Martin Aircraft (now Lockheed Martin) heavily modified the X-24A to make a higher-performing vehicle, the X-24B. TECHNICAL NOTES: Crew: One Engines: One Reaction Motors XLR-11 rocket of 9,800 lbs. thrust; two Bell LLRV optional landing rockets of 500 lbs. thrust each Maximum speed: 1,164 mph (Mach 1.76) Ceiling: 74,100 feet
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15bis. The Soviet Union developed the MiG-15 following World War II and the fighter entered service in 1949. By 1952 the Soviets provided the MiG-15 (NATO code name "Fagot") to a number of communist satellite nations, including North Korea. In 1950 the Soviets began production of a more capable version, the MiG-15bis. The MiG-15bis used a more powerful engine and hydraulically boosted ailerons. During the Korean War, both versions of the MiG-15 operated extensively against United Nations forces. TECHNICAL NOTES: Armament: Two 23mm cannons and one 37mm cannon plus rockets or 2,000 lbs. of bombs Engine: Klimov VK-1 of 6,000 lbs. thrust (developed from the British Rolls-Royce "Nene" engine) Maximum speed: 670 mph Range: 500 miles Ceiling: 51,000 ft. Span: 33 ft. 1 1/2 in. Length: 33 ft. 3 5/8 in. Height: 11 ft. 2 in. Weight: 11,270 lbs. maximum Serial number: 2015357 V-2 Rocket. This rocket engine powered Germany's V-2 "Vengeance Weapon" during World War II. The engine was a technical achievement, using high-speed pumps to move large volumes of fuel into the thrust chamber very quickly. Its design also contributed to American rocketry following WWII. North American B-25B Mitchell. The B-25 medium bomber was one of America's most famous airplanes of World War II. It was the type used by Gen. Jimmy Doolittle for the Tokyo Raid on April 18, 1942. TECHNICAL NOTES: Armament: Six .50-cal. machine guns; 3,000 lbs. of bombs Engine: Two Wright R-2600s of 1,700 hp each Maximum speed: 328 mph Cruising speed: 233 mph Range: 2,500 miles (with auxiliary tanks) Ceiling: 21,200 ft. Span: 67 ft. 6 in. Length: 53 ft. Height: 16 ft. 9 in. Weight: 29,300 lbs. maximum Cost: $109,670 (1943) Lockheed P-38L Lightning. The P-38 was originally conceived as an advanced, high-performance twin-engine interceptor. On Feb. 11, 1939, Lt. Ben Kelsey set a coast to coast record of 7 hours, 48 minutes in the sleek prototype Lightning, but crashed while landing. Despite the accident, development continued and the first of 13 service test YP-38s flew on Sept. 16, 1940. Early model P-38s experienced turbulent airflow over the tail and problems at high dive speeds, known as compressibility, but later modifications corrected these difficulties. TECHNICAL NOTES: Armament: Four .50-cal. machine guns and one 20mm cannon Engines: Two Allison V-1710s of 1,475 hp each Maximum speed: 414 mph Cruising speed: 275 mph Range: 1,300 miles Ceiling: 40,000 ft. Span: 52 ft. Length: 37 ft. 10 in. Height: 12 ft. 10 in. Weight: 17,500 lbs. loaded
Republic P-47D (Razorback Version). The P-47 was one of the most famous U.S. Army Air Forces fighter planes in World War II. Although the P-47 was originally conceived as a lightweight interceptor, it became a heavy fighter-bomber -- the P-47's maximum weight was over 17,000 pounds, while the comparable P-51 Mustang's was about 12,000 pounds. The prototype made its first flight in May 1941, and Republic delivered the first production P-47 in March 1942. In April 1943 over Western Europe, the Thunderbolt flew its first combat mission. TECHNICAL NOTES: Armament: Eight .50-cal. machine guns and 10 5-in. rockets or 1,500 lbs. of bombs Engine: Pratt & Whitney R-2800 of 2,430 hp Maximum speed: 433 mph Cruising speed: 260 mph Range: 1,100 miles (with auxiliary fuel tanks) Ceiling: 42,000 ft. Span: 40 ft. 9 in. Length: 36 ft. 1 in. Height: 14 ft. 2 in. Weight: 13,500 lbs. loaded Serial number: 42-23278 Consolidated B-24D Liberator. The B-24 was employed in operations in every combat theater during World War II. Because of its great range, it was particularly suited for such missions as the famous raid from North Africa against the oil industry at Ploesti, Rumania, on Aug. 1, 1943. This feature also made the airplane suitable for long over-water missions in the Pacific Theater. More than 18,000 Liberators were produced. TECHNICAL NOTES: Armament: 10 .50-cal. machine guns and 8,000 lbs. of bombs Engines: Four Pratt & Whitney R-1830s of 1,200 hp each Maximum speed: 303 mph Cruising speed: 175 mph Range: 2,850 miles Ceiling: 28,000 ft. Span: 110 ft. Length: 66 ft. 4 in. Height: 17 ft. 11 in. Weight: 56,000 lbs. loaded Cost: $336,000 Serial number: 42-72843 North American P-51D Mustang. The Mustang was among the best and most well-known fighters used by the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. Possessing excellent range and maneuverability, the P-51 operated primarily as a long-range escort fighter and also as a ground attack fighter-bomber. The Mustang served in nearly every combat zone during WWII, and later fought in the Korean War. TECHNICAL NOTES: Armament: Six .50-cal. machine guns and 10 5-in. rockets or 2,000 lbs. of bombs Engine: Packard-built Rolls-Royce Merlin V-1650 of 1,695 hp Maximum speed: 437 mph Cruising speed: 275 mph Range: 1,000 miles Ceiling: 41,900 ft. Span: 37 ft. Length: 32 ft. 3 in. Height: 13 ft. 8 in. Weight: 12,100 lbs. maximum Serial number: 44-74936 Messerschmitt Bf 109G-10. The Messerschmitt Bf 109 began as an entry by the Bayerische Flugzeugwerke in a Luftwaffe (German Air Force) fighter competition in the early 1930s. Willy Messerschmitt's creation incorporated one of the most advanced aerodynamic designs at the time, with retractable landing gear, an enclosed cockpit, automatic slats, cantilever wings and stressed skin construction. During the trials, the Bf 109 clearly outperformed the larger and heavier favorite, Heinkel's He 112. The first production model, the Bf 109B, began coming off the lines in 1936. The redesignation of the Bayerische Flugzeugwerke AG (Aktiengesellschaft or Corporation) to the Messerschmitt AG in 1938 led many to call it the Me 109, although the official Luftwaffe designation of the aircraft remained the Bf 109 throughout the war. TECHNICAL NOTES: Armament: One 30mm MK 108 cannon and two 13mm MG 131 machine guns Engine: One Daimler-Benz DB 605D inverted V rated at 1,850 hp for take-off Maximum speed: 426 mph at 24,280 ft. Range: 373 miles Ceiling: 41,400 ft. Span: 32 ft. Length: 29 ft. 5 in. Height: 8 ft. 2.5 in. Weight: 5,800 lbs.
Focke-Wulf Fw 190D-9. The Fw 190, one of Germany's best fighter airplanes of World War II, made its first flight on June 1, 1939. It appeared in action over northwestern France in September 1941 and rapidly proved its superiority over the Mark V Spitfire, Britain's best fighter of that time. TECHNICAL NOTES: Armament: Two 20mm MG 151 cannons in wings and two 13mm MG 131 machine guns in nose Engine: Junkers Jumo 213 of 2,240 hp with methanol-water injection Maximum speed: 426 mph Cruising speed: 280 mph Range: 520 miles Ceiling: 40,000 ft. Span: 34 ft. 5 1/3 in. Length: 33 ft. 5 1/4 in. Height: 11 ft. 1/4 in. Weight: 10,670 lbs. combat-loaded Most Fw 190s were the "A" series, powered by a BMW radial engine. Late in 1943, however, the more capable "D" series appeared in action against U.S. bombers, powered by the more powerful Jumo 213 inline, liquid-cooled engine. Because the larger engine lengthened its nose, a 20-inch section had to be added to the Fw 190D-9's fuselage just forward of the tail. During its lifetime, more than 20,000 Fw 190s of all types were built. Messerschmitt Me 262A Schwalbe. Developed from a 1938 design by the Messerschmitt company, the Me 262 Schwalbe was the world's first operational turbojet aircraft. First flown under jet power on July 18, 1942, it proved much faster than conventional airplanes. Development problems (particularly its temperamental engines), Allied bombings and cautious Luftwaffe leadership contributed to delays in quantity production. TECHNICAL NOTES: Armament: Four 30mm MK-108 cannons and 1,000 lbs. of bombs Engines: Two Junkers Jumo 004s of 1,980 lbs. thrust each Maximum speed: 540 mph Cruising speed: 460 mph Range: 650 miles Ceiling: 38,000 ft. Span: 41 ft. Length: 34 ft. 9 in. Height: 11 ft. 4 in. Weight: 15,600 lbs. North American F-82B Twin Mustang. The F-82 was the last propeller-driven fighter acquired in quantity by the U.S. Air Force. It appears to be two P-51 Mustang fuselages on one wing, but in reality it was a totally new design. The Twin Mustang carried a pilot and co-pilot/navigator to reduce fatigue on long-range bomber escort missions. Production deliveries did not begin until early 1946, too late for World War II. After WWII, Air Defense Command flew radar-equipped F-82Gs as replacements for the P-61 night fighter. During the Korean War, Japan-based F-82Gs were among the first USAF aircraft to operate over Korea. On June 27, 1950, all-weather F-82Gs shot down the first three North Korean airplanes destroyed by U.S. forces. TECHNICAL NOTES: Armament: Six .50-cal. machine guns, 25 5-inch rockets and 4,000 lbs. of bombs Engines: Two Packard V-1650s of 1,380 hp each Maximum speed: 482 mph Cruising speed: 280 mph Range: 2,200 miles Ceiling: 39,000 ft. Span: 51 ft. 3 in. Length: 38 ft. 1 in. Height: 13 ft. 8 in. Weight: 24,800 lbs. maximum Serial number: 44-65168
Douglas B-26C (A-26C) Invader. During the Korean War, the Douglas B-26 played an important part in the U.S. Air Force's interdiction campaign against communist ground forces. Initially, B-26 crews flew during the day, but the introduction of the MiG-15 jet fighter forced them to fly most missions at night. The Douglas B-26 (originally designated the A-26) was a World War II attack aircraft used for level bombing, ground strafing, and rocket attacks. It made its first flight in July 1942, and production delivery began in August 1943. The A-26 entered combat over Europe in November 1944. When production halted after the war, 2,502 Invaders had been built. The A-26 was redesignated the B-26 in 1948 (thus creating everlasting confusion with the WWII Martin B-26 Marauder). TECHNICAL NOTES: Armament (as displayed): Six .50-cal. machine guns (two in each under wing pod; two in the upper, remote controlled turret); 6,000 lbs. of bomb carried internally and under wings Engines: Two Pratt & Whitney R-2800s of 2,000 hp each Maximum speed: 373 mph Span: 70 ft. Length: 51 ft. 3 in. Height: 18 ft. 3 in. Weight: 35,000 lbs. loaded Northrop P-61C Black Widow. The heavily-armed Black Widow was the United States' first aircraft specifically designed as a night-fighter. The P-61 carried radar equipment in its nose that enabled its crew of two or three to locate enemy aircraft in total darkness and fly into proper position to attack. TECHNICAL NOTES: Armament: Four .50-cal. machine guns in upper turret and four 20mm cannons in belly; 6,400 lbs. of bombs Engines: Two Pratt & Whitney R-2800s of 2,100 hp each Maximum speed: 425 mph Cruising speed: 275 mph Range: 1,200 miles Ceiling: 46,200 ft. Span: 66 ft. Length: 49 ft. 7 in. Height: 14 ft. 8 in. Weight: 35,855 lbs. loaded Serial number: 43-8353 De Havilland DH 98 Mosquito. The famous British Mosquito – known to many as "Mossie" – was a versatile aircraft used extensively during World War II. Constructed primarily of plywood with a balsa wood core, it had excellent speed, altitude and range. First flown on November 25, 1940, the Mosquito entered production in mid-1941 and was produced until well after the end of the war. Almost 8,000 Mossies were built in Great Britain, Canada, and Australia. TECHNICAL NOTES: Armament: 4,000 lbs of bombs in bomber version Engines: Two Rolls-Royce Merlins of 1,690 hp each Maximum speed: 415 mph Range: 1,955 miles Ceiling: 42,000 ft Martin B-26G Marauder. Although the Marauder did not make its first flight until Nov. 25, 1940, its design showed such promise that the Air Corps ordered 1,131 B-26s in September 1940. The B-26 began flying combat missions in the Southwest Pacific in the spring of 1942, but most were subsequently assigned to Europe and the Mediterranean. TECHNICAL NOTES: Armament: 11.50-cal. machine guns; 4,000 lbs. of bombs Engines: Two Pratt & Whitney R-2800s of 2,000 hp each Maximum speed: 285 mph Cruising speed: 190 mph Range: 1,100 miles Ceiling: 19,800 ft. Span: 71 ft. Length: 58 ft. 6 in. Height: 20 ft. 3 in. Weight: 37,000 lbs. loaded Serial number: 43-34581
Boeing B-29 Superfortress. The B-29 on display, Bockscar, dropped the Fat Man atomic bomb on Nagasaki on Aug. 9, 1945, three days after the atomic attack against Hiroshima. Bockscar was one of 15 specially modified "Silverplate" B-29s assigned to the 509th Composite Group. Most B-29s carried eight .50-cal. machine guns in remote controlled turrets, two .50-cal. machine guns and one 20mm cannon in a tail turret, and up to 20,000 pounds of bombs. Silverplate B-29s, however, retained only the tail turret and had their armor removed to save weight so that the heavy atomic bombs of the time could be carried over a longer distance. TECHNICAL NOTES: Armament: Eight .50-cal. machine guns in remote controlled turrets plus two .50-cal. machine guns and one 20mm cannon in tail; 20,000 lbs. of bombs Engines: Four Wright R-3350s of 2,200 hp each Maximum speed: 357 mph Cruising speed: 220 mph Range: 3,700 miles Ceiling: 33,600 ft. Span: 141 ft. 3 in. Length: 99 ft. Height: 27 ft. 9 in. Weight: 133,500 lbs. maximum Serial number: 44-27297 Kawanishi N1K2-Ja Shiden Kai (George). The N1K2-Ja Shiden Kai (Japanese for "Violet Lightning--Improved") was the best fighter used in significant numbers by the Japanese Navy during World War II. Known by the Allies as the "George," this maneuverable, heavily-armed fighter was a formidable opponent in the closing months of the war. TECHNICAL NOTES (N1K2-Ja): Armament: Four Type 99-2 20mm cannon and four 551-lb. bombs Engine: 1,990 hp Nakajima NK9H Homare Maximum speed: 369 mph Lockheed P-80R. On June 19, 1947, at Muroc Army Air Field (now Edwards Air Force Base), Calif., Col. Albert Boyd flew this P-80R to a new world's speed record of 623.753 mph, returning the record to the United States after nearly 24 years. The Army Air Force's quest to capture the world's speed record -- then held by a British Gloster Meteor -- after World War II led to the creation of the specialized P-80R. A high-speed variant of the standard P-80A Shooting Star, it had a smaller canopy, redesigned air intakes and a shorter wing with an extended leading edge. In addition, the engine was modified, armament removed and replaced by a fuel tank, and all drag-producing openings sealed. TECHNICAL NOTES: Engine: Modified Allison J33-A-21 of 5,079 lbs. thrust (with alcohol-water injection) Maximum speed: 623.753 mph Range: 1,045 miles Service ceiling: 45,000 feet Weight: 12,054 lbs. maximum Convair F-102A Delta Dagger. The primary mission of the F-102 was to intercept and destroy enemy aircraft. It was the world's first supersonic all-weather jet interceptor and the USAF's first operational delta-wing aircraft. The F-102 made its initial flight on Oct. 24, 1953, and became operational with the Air Defense Command in 1956. At the peak of deployment in the late 1950s, F-102s equipped more than 25 ADC squadrons. Convair built 1,000 F-102s, 889 of which were F-102As. The USAF also bought 111 TF-102As as combat trainers with side-by-side seating. TECHNICAL NOTES: Armament: 24 unguided 2.75-in. rockets and six guided missiles Engine: One Pratt & Whitney J57 of 16,000 lbs. thrust with afterburner Maximum speed: 810 mph Cruising speed: 600 mph Range: 1,000 miles Ceiling: 55,000 ft. Span: 38 ft. 1 in. Length: 68 ft. 4 in. (including boom) Height: 21 ft. 2 in. Weight: 31,559 lbs. maximum Serial number: 56-1416
Convair B-36J Peacemaker. Responding to the U.S. Army Air Forces' requirement for a strategic bomber with intercontinental range, Consolidated Vultee (later Convair) designed the B-36 during World War II. The airplane made its maiden flight in August 1946, and in June 1948 the Strategic Air Command received its first operational B-36. Some B-36s served as photographic reconnaissance aircraft, and others were adapted to launch and retrieve specially modified RF-84F/K reconnaissance planes. TECHNICAL NOTES: Maximum speed: 435 mph Cruising speed: 230 mph Range: 10,000 miles Ceiling: 45,700 ft. Span: 230 ft. Length: 162 ft. 1 in. Height: 46 ft. 9 in. Weight: 410,000 lbs. loaded Serial number: 52-2220 North American F-86A Sabre. The F-86, the U.S. Air Force's first swept-wing jet fighter, made its initial flight in October 1947. The first production model flew in May 1948, and four months later, an F-86A set a new world speed record of 670.9 mph. As a day fighter, the F-86A (and later F-86Es and F-86Fs) saw service in Korea as the primary opponent of the Russian-built MiG-15. By the end of hostilities, F-86 pilots had shot down 792 MiGs, with a kill ratio of about 8:1. TECHNICAL NOTES: Armament: Six .50-cal. machine guns Engine: General Electric J47 of 5,200 lbs. thrust Maximum speed: 685 mph Range: 1,200 miles Ceiling: 49,000 ft. Span: 37 ft. 1 in. Length: 37 ft. 6 in. Height: 14 ft. 8 in. Weight: 13,791 lbs. loaded Serial number: 49-1067 Lockheed F-94A Starfire. Developed from the T-33 Shooting Star, the two-place F-94 was the first American all-weather jet interceptor and the first U.S. production jet to have an afterburner. The large radar in the nose permitted the observer in the rear seat to locate an enemy aircraft at night or in poor weather. The pilot then flew the Starfire into proper position for an attack based upon the observer's radar indications. TECHNICAL NOTES: Armament: Four .50-cal. machine guns Engine: Allison J33 of 6,000 lbs. thrust with afterburner Maximum speed: 630 mph Range: 930 miles Ceiling: 42,750 ft. Span: 38 ft. 9 in. Length: 40 ft. 1 in. Height: 12 ft. 2 in. Weight: 15,330 lbs. Serial number: 49-2498 Republic F-84F Thunderstreak. Evolved from the straight-wing F-84, the F-84F prototype first flew in June 1950. Deliveries began in 1954, with most of the aircraft going to the Tactical Air Command as a ground support fighter bomber. Republic built 2,112 F-84Fs while General Motors fabricated 599 more. Of these, 1,301 were delivered to NATO air forces. Production of a reconnaissance version, the RF-84F, totaled 715 aircraft, including 386 for allied countries. To accommodate cameras in the nose, Republic moved the RF-84F's air intakes to the wing roots. TECHNICAL NOTES: Armament: Six .50-cal. machine guns and 24 5-in. rockets; 6,000 lbs. of bombs externally Engine: Wright J65-W-3 of 7,220 lbs. thrust Maximum speed: 685 mph Range: 1,900 miles Span: 33 ft. 7 in. Length: 43 ft. 5 in. Height: 15 ft. Weight: 27,000 lbs. maximum Serial number: 52-6526
Pratt & Whitney J57 Turbojet. The J57 turbojet was the first production jet engine to produce 10,000 pounds of thrust. The J57 featured a dual-rotor axial-flow compressor, which lowered fuel consumption over a wide operating range and improved the sluggish acceleration characteristic of previous jet engines. J57 production began in 1953. The same year, Pratt & Whitney was awarded America's highest aviation honor, the Collier Trophy, for the design and development of the J57. When production ended in 1970, Pratt & Whitney had built more than 21,000 engines. I worked on these at Qantas shortly before the Boeing 707s arrived. Another apprentice and I worked for an American from P&W (his name was Earl) and we stripped the engine down to make sure all of the special tools did their job. Apollo 15 Command Module, Endeavour. Apollo 15 was the fourth successful moon landing mission and the only Apollo mission with an all-U.S. Air Force crew. Col. David R. Scott, Lt. Col. James B. Irwin, and Maj. Alfred M. Worden flew this spacecraft, named Endeavour, to the moon in July 1971. The command module is named after the ship that carried Capt. James Cook on his famous 18th century scientific voyage. Apollo 15 focused mainly on lunar science, and was the first mission to use a lunar rover vehicle. The crew spent four days traveling to the moon, then Scott and Irwin landed the lunar module Falcon on the moon’s surface. They spent 67 hours exploring and setting up scientific experiments. Worden remained in orbit aboard Endeavour conducting experiments and photographing the moon. Just over 12 days after launch, the crew returned safely, splashing down in the Pacific Ocean near Hawaii. TECHNICAL NOTES: Crew: Three Weight: 12,831 lbs. at launch Interior: 210 cubic feet (about the size of a minivan) 1988 DaytonUSAFMuseum 0070 b
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