June 22, 2022 - National Museum of the Air Force
My first visit to the Air Force Museum was 25 or so years ago. 15 years ago, Bruce and I flew the old Citabria to Dayton and visited the Air Force Museum. I decided it was time to see it again.
Well, I can tell you it has changed dramatically since I last visited. I think there were only two big hangars back then; now there are four. The exhibits are much better than I remember. Each aircraft has a well-written placard by its side. Many of the aircraft are displayed in dioramas. There are lots of artifacts, pictures and videos. The museum has an outstanding web page as well, with the placard text for each exhibit, plus multiple pictures of the exhibit.
I spent a good five hours touring the museum. I saw everything, but I didn't read everything. I think it would take two full days to do that.
In terms of number of planes, this has to be the best aviation museum in the world (at least that I've seen). They have a fabulous collection, not only of the U.S. Air Force stuff but also of our opponents in the various wars. All the planes are in mint condition. Of course, in terms of historic planes, the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum would have to be tops. And in terms of U.S. Naval Aviation, the Museum of Naval Aviation in Pensacola is the best. So you need to see all three.
Click on the following links to see what I saw:
- June 22: Air Force Museum - Early Years
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June 22 : Air Force Museum - World War Two
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June 22 : Air Force Museum - Korea /Vietnam
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June 22 : Air Force Museum - The Cold War
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June 22 : Air Force Museum - Airlift/Presidential Planes
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June 22 : Air Force Museum - R&D Aircraft/Space
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June 22: Air Force Museum - Present Day
