Museum Aircraft | Aerospace Museum of California

Convair VC-131 'Samaritan'

Sun, 06 Apr 2008 09:17:38 -0700

Based upon the Convair Model 440 commercial airliner, the VC-131 was made for transporting officials and government dignitaries. This aircraft served as transportation for the Governor of California.

USAF S/N 54-2822 is a VC-131-CO, one of 16 built by Consolidated Vultee Aircraft (CONVAIR) in San Diego, California and delivered to the Air Force on March 15, 1955. It was first assigned to the 4500th Support Squadron (TAC), Langley AFB, Virginia. In December, 1957 it moved to the 7100st Support Wing (USAFE), Wiesbaden AB, Germany; returning to the 4500th Support Squadron at Langley AFB, Virginia in February, 1958. It was assigned to the 7415th Support Group (USAFE), Orly Field, Paris, France in September, 1958; then the 317th Air Base Group (USAFE), Evreux/Fauville AB, France in October, 1958; the 513th Troop Carrier Wing (USAFE), Orly Field, France in April, 1966; the 7101st Air Base Wing (USAFE), Chievres, Belgium and Echterdingen Army Field, Germany in October, 1967; to the Military Assistance Group (USAFE), Teheran, Iran in July, 1973; and the 144th Fighter Interceptor Wing (ANG), Fresno, California in May, 1978. While with the 144th the aircraft was known as 'California One', and it was based for much of the time at McClellan AFB. The aircraft was presented to the museum after its final flight on June 27, 1989.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Crew: Three to four.

Power Plants: Two Pratt-Whitney R-2800-99W radial engines rated at 2,500 hp.

Dimensions:

Span: 105 ft 4 in.

Length: 79 ft 2 in.

Height: 28 ft 2 in.

Weight: Empty - 29,248 lbs. Gross - 47,000 lbs.

Performance:

Max. Speed: 293 mph; Cruise - 254 mph.

Service Ceiling: 24,500 ft.

Range: 450 miles.

Beech UC-45J 'Expediter'

Sun, 06 Apr 2008 09:17:33 -0700

Based on the Beech Model 18 commercial light transport, the C-45 was first ordered by the Army Air Corps in 1940. Ultimately it would be used by both Army and Navy in a variety of configurations. Passenger seating varied from six to eight in the various models.

U.S. Navy Bu.No. 51291 was built as a SNB-2 (later redesignated UC-45) and delivered on October 6, 1943. It served at a number of Naval Air Stations including NAS Patuxent River, Maryland, and NAS El Toro, California. It ended its Navy career at the Naval Weapons Lab at NAS Dahlgren, Maryland in June, 1966 with over 12,000 hours in its logbook. The aircraft was delivered by truck to McClellan in September, 1988 and placed on display after restoration in April, 1992. It is painted as a USAF C-45J, and given the S/N 42-51291.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Crew: Two, six to eight passengers.

Power Plants: Two R-985-AN-3 engines.

Dimensions:

Span: 47 ft 8 in.

Length: 34 ft 3 in.

Height: 9 ft 8 in.

Weight: Empty - 5,890 lbs. Gross - 7,850 lbs.

Performance:

Max. Speed: 215 mph.

Service Ceiling: 20,000 ft.

Range: 700 miles.

North American T-39A 'Sabreliner'

Sun, 06 Apr 2008 09:17:27 -0700

Built by North American Aviation Corp. Used as a utility transport, small cargo flights, and pilot proficiency training. First flight of the T-39A was on June 30, 1960, with the designation being changed to CT-39A in June, 1977. It carried a crew of two, with room for four passengers.

USAF S/N 61-660 is a T-39A-1-NA, one of 143 T-39As built by North American Aviation in Inglewood, California. It was delivered to the USAF in June, 1962 and assigned to the 3902nd Air Base Wing (SAC), Offutt AFB, Nebraska. In April, 1963 it was sent to the 22nd Bomb Wing (SAC), March AFB, California. In January, 1974 it went to the 6th Bomb Wing (SAC), Minot AFB, North Dakota; then returned to the 22nd Bomb Wing in February, 1974. From June, 1975 it was assigned to either the 1400th Military Airlift Squadron (MAC), McClellan AFB, California; or the 63rd Military Airlift Wing (MAC), Norton AFB, California. It was retired to the museum in August, 1985.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Accommodations: Two pilots and four passengers.

Power Plants: Two 3,000 lb thrust Pratt & Whitney J60-P-3 turbojets.

Dimensions:

Span: 44 ft 5 in.

Length: 43 ft 9 in.

Height: 16 ft 0 in.

Weight: Empty - 9,300 lbs. Gross - 17,760 lbs.

Performance:

Max. Speed: 595 mph at 36,000 ft.

Service Ceiling: 39,000 ft.

Range: 1,725 miles.

Lockheed T-33A 'T-Bird'

Sun, 06 Apr 2008 09:17:22 -0700

Built by Lockheed Aircraft, this was the first jet trainer, derived from the P-80 'Shooting Star' by adding a 38.6 inch fuselage plug forward of the wing, and a 12 inch plug aft to provide room for the second seat. A 230 gallon fuel tank was added to each wing tip, and armament was reduced to two .50 caliber machine guns. First produced in 1948, it remained in operational service with the USAF until 1988, serving as a trainer and utility aircraft. Others, supplied under the Military Assistance Program are still in service today.

USAF S/N 53-5205 is a T-33A-1-LOA, one of 5,691 T-33As built by Lockheed Aircraft in Burbank, California. It was delivered to the USAF on October 6, 1954 and assigned to the 2589th AF Reserve Combat Training Center (ConAC), Dobbins AFB, Georgia. In May, 1955 it went to the 2584th AFR Flying Training Center (ConAC), Memphis Municipal Airport, Tennessee, and in October, 1957 to the 1001st Air Base Wing (HqCOM), Andrews AFB, Maryland. It was retired to Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona in August, 1962, and shipped to the museum in May, 1983. It currently bears the insignia of its last assignment at Andrews AFB.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Crew: Two.

Power Plant: One 4,600 lb thrust Allison J-33-A-35 turbojet.

Dimensions:

Span: 38 ft 10-1/2 in.

Length: 37 ft 9 in.

Height: 11 ft 4 in.

Weight: Empty - 8,084 lbs. Gross - 11,965 lbs.

Performance:

Max. Speed: 534 mph at 25,000 ft.

Service Ceiling: 47,500 ft.

Armament: Two .50 cal. m/g in nose.

Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21F 'Fishbed'

Sat, 05 Apr 2008 15:37:36 -0700

The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 first flew in 1956 as a short-range interceptor. Over 10,000 would be built in the years which followed. used in combat by North Vietnam, India, Iraq, Egypt, and Syria. Several examples are currently flown by USAF in fighter combat training; and others are now available to civilian owners, and seen at air shows. During the Vietnam War the MiG-21 was the main adversary for the U.S. flyers in F-4 and F-105 fighters, and 85 were downed in air-to-air combat.

The museum's aircraft is a S-107, which is the Czech built version of the MiG-21F-13, S/N 0201; and was built at the Aero plant outside of Prague, Czechoslovakia. It was delivered to the Czech Air Force on June 5, 1966, and served until early 1989. It was purchased in Hungary by a private U.S. citizen and shipped to the U.S. through Hamberg, West Germany. Along with S-107, S/N 0301, it was traded to the USAF Museum, with 0301 going to the main museum at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio. McClellan's MiG-21 was reassembled in 15 hours, and became the first MiG-21 to go on permanent display in the U.S. when it entered the Museum Air Park on May 25, 1989.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Crew: One.

Power Plant: One 14,000 lb thrust Tumansky turbojet.

Dimensions:

Span: 27 ft.

Length: 16 ft.

Height: 16 ft.

Weight: Gross - 18,800 lbs.

Performance:

Speed: Mach 1.5 - 2.0

Ceiling: 56,000 ft.

Combat radius: 375 miles.

Armament: One 30mm cannon in fuselage. Two Atoll air-to-air missiles under wing, or rocket pods with sixteen 57mm rockets.

Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17PF 'Fresco E'

Sat, 05 Apr 2008 15:37:31 -0700

The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17PF was delivered as an all-weather interceptor version of the MiG-17. The design of the MiG-17 was undertaken to correct the deficiencies that the earlier MiG-15 had at higher speeds, with the prototype first flying on January 13, 1950. It was the first Soviet fighter to have an afterburning engine, the Klimov VK-1. The MiG-17PF featured the Izumrud 'Scan-Odd' radar, and three Mudelmann-Rikhter 23mm cannons. Over 9,000 of all versions of the MiG-17 were built in the Soviet Union, Poland, and China. A total of 104 MiG-17s were shot down by American fighters during the Viet Nam War.

The museum's MiG-17PF arrived by truck from Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota on October 12, 1993. How, when and where the USAF obtained it remains classified.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Crew: One.

Power Plant: One Klimov VK-1 turbojet, w/afterburner, 5,955 lb. thrust.

Dimensions:

Span: 31 ft 7 in.

Length: 40 ft.

Height: 11 ft.

Performance:

Speed: 710 mph (Mach 0.975) at 10,000 ft.

Ceiling: 57,000 ft.

Range: 510 miles.

Armament: Three 23mm cannon in nose; provision for two underwing packs of 8 x 55mm air-to-air rockets or 1,100 lbs.

Taylorcraft L-2M 'Grasshopper'

Sat, 05 Apr 2008 15:37:25 -0700

Originally known as the YO-57, the Taylorcraft L-2 came from the commercial Taylorcraft Model D, and was one of a series of light aircraft used in the observation and liaison mission during World War II. The L-2 featured a high-wing, tandem seats, and dual controls, and was the first tested by the Army in 1941 along with the Aeronca YO-58, and the Piper Y0-59. All three types were ordered, and all were known as 'Grasshoppers'. The L-2M was the final version of the L-2, and featured a fully cowled engine, and the fitting of wing spoilers. All of the aircraft were unarmed.

USAAF S/N 43-26433 was one of 900 L-2M aircraft built by Taylorcraft Aviation Corp., in Alliance, Ohio. It was delivered to the USAAF on December 9, 1943 and assigned to the Civil Air Patrol in Little Rock, Arkansas on December 12, 1943. It was dropped from the USAAF inventory in July, 1945 and entered civilian use until flown to the museum on September 11, 1985.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Crew: Two.

Power Plant: One 65 hp Continental O-170-3 four cylinder engine.

Dimensions:

Span: 35 ft 5 in.

Length: 22 ft 9 in.

Height: 8 ft 0 in.

Weight: Empty - 875 lbs. Gross - 1,300 lbs.

Performance:

Max. Speed: 88 mph.

Service Ceiling: 10,050 ft.

Range: 230 miles.

North American F-86F 'Sabre'

Sat, 05 Apr 2008 15:37:19 -0700

The F-86 Sabre distinguished itself during the Korean War in battle against the MiG-15 fighters of China and North Korea. Replacing the earlier -A and -E models, the -F featured a new '6-3' wing without the slats found on the leading edge of the earlier models. The increased chord of the wing (6 inches at the root and 3 inches at the tip) and small boundary layer fences gave better maneuvering performance at high speeds. The -F was used both as an air superiority fighter and fighter-bomber during the latter stages of the war; replacing the F-80 and F-51 aircraft still being used in the Korean combat in 1952.

USAF S/N 51-13082 is an F-86F-20-NH, built by North American Aviation in Columbus, Ohio and delivered to the 126th Fighter Interceptor Squadron (ADC), Madison, Wisconsin on September 5, 1952. In July, 1953 it went to the 18th Fighter Interceptor Squadron (ADC), Minneapolis, Minn., with other assignments being to the 49th Fighter Interceptor Squadron (ADC), Dow AFB, Maine in May, 1954; 3595th Combat Crew Training Wing 9ATC), Nellis AFB, Nevada in December, 1954; 3525th Combat Crew Training Wing (ATC), Williams AFB, Arizona; 21st Fighter Interceptor Squadron (ANG), Andrews AFB, Maryland in May, 1957; and the 115th Fighter Interceptor Squadron (ANG), Van Nuys, California in October, 1957. Its last unit of assignment was the 195th Fighter Interceptor Squadron (ANG), Van Nuys, California in April, 1959. The aircraft was retired in October, 1959 and loaned to AMVETS Post 55 in Goleta, California. It was transported to the museum in April, 1986.

Our aircraft is marked in the colors of the 115th Fighter Squadron, California Air National Guard; the oldest Air Guard unit in the state. The aircraft was assigned to that unit in 1957-1959.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Power Plant: General Electric J47-GE-27; 5,970 lb. thrust turbojet.

Dimensions:

Span: 37 ft 1 in.

Length: 37 ft 6 in.

Height: 14 ft 8 in.

Performance:

Max Speed: 690 mph @ sea level.

Initial Climb: 10,000 ft per min.

Service Ceiling: 50,000 ft.

Range: 1,270 miles (w/tanks).

Armament: six .50 cal. M/G; 2,000 lb. bombs.

Republic F-84F 'ThunderStreak'

Sat, 05 Apr 2008 15:37:11 -0700

Built by Republic Aircraft as a fighter-escort for Strategic Air Command bombers, and fighter-bomber and reconnaissance types for the Tactical Air Command; the F-84F and RF-84F replaced the F-84E and F-84G straight-wing aircraft which served in the Korean War. The F-84F would see extensive service in NATO air forces in Europe.

USAF S/N 51-1772 is a F-84F-30-RE; built by Republic Aviation in Farmingdale, New York, and delivered to the Air Force on October 5, 1954. It was first assigned to the 12th Strategic Fighter Wing (SAC), Bergstrom AFB, Texas; and was transferred to the 31st Strategic Fighter Wing (SAC), Turner AFB, Georgia in February, 1956. In August, 1957 it went to the 119th Fighter Interceptor Squadron (ANG), McGuire AFB, New Jersey; moving later to the 12th Tactical Fighter Wing (TAC), McDill AFB, Florida in July, 1962, and the 36th Tactical Fighter Group (TAC), Holloman AFB, New Mexico in March, 1964, and the 104th Tactical Fighter Group (ANG), Barnes Field, Mass. in August, 1965. It was retired to Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona in August, 1971, and shipped to the museum in February, 1983.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Power Plant: One Wright 7,220 lb. thrust J65-W-3 ÒSapphire: turbojet.

Dimensions:

Span: 33 ft 6 in.

Length: 43 ft 4 in.

Height: 14 ft 4 in.

Weight: Gross - 25,000 lbs.

Performance:

Speed: 650 mph.

Combat Radius: 1,000 miles

Service ceiling: over 45,000 ft.

Armament: six .50 cal. M/G, four in fuselage, two in wing root.

Provisions for carrying external stores including 24 - 5 in. rockets,

or four 1,000 lb bombs, or tactical atomic stores.

Loockheed F-80B ' Shooting Star'

Sat, 05 Apr 2008 15:37:07 -0700

Built by Lockheed Aircraft, the F-80 was the first American mass-produced jet fighter placed in operational service status by the Air Force, and the first to exceed 500 MPH in level flight. The XP-80 aircraft first flew on 9 January 1944. The designation was changed to F-80 in June, 1948. Although originally designed as an interceptor, the -C model saw extensive service during the Korean War as a fighter-bomber. In the first jet versus jet combat, an F-80C shot down a MiG-15 fighter.

USAF S/N 45-8704 was built as a p-80B-1-LO, one of 240 delivered by Lockheed Aircraft in Burbank, California. It was delivered to the USAF on January 29, 1948 and assigned to the 1st Fighter Group (TAC), March Field, California. In August, 1949 it went to the 36th Fighter Group (USAFE), Furstenfeldbruck AB, Germany. In October 1950 it went to the 7540th Maintenance Group (USAFE), RAF Burtonwood, England; and then in September, 1951, to the 3595th Pilot Training Wing (ATC), Williams AFB, Arizona. In December, 1951 it was converted to F-80C-12-LO configuration as a fighter-bomber. In September, 1953 it went to its last unit, the 185th Fighter Squadron (ANG), Will Rogers Field, Oklahoma. It was retired in July, 1958, and obtained by the museum in July, 1983.

It is currently painted in the 23rd Fighter Squadron, 36th Fighter Group markings of 1948 period.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Power Plant: one 4,000 lb. thrust Allison J-33-A-11.

Gross Weight: 14,500 lbs.

Performance: 558 mph (max).

Armament: Six .50 cal. MG in nose.

Could carry up to four 1,000 lb bombs

and four 5Ó HVAR rockets.

Douglas C-53D 'Skytrooper'

Sat, 05 Apr 2008 15:37:03 -0700

Based upon the Douglas DC-3 airliner, the C-53 was one of a series of models produced off the commercial production lines for the Air Force during the early years of the war. Similar on the exterior to the later C-47, but without a reinforced floor or double door for loading cargo, the aircraft was designed to carry paratroops and tow gliders. They would also see service, however, transporting wounded, and carrying cargo.

USAAF S/N 42-68835 is one of 150 C-53Ds built by Douglas Aircraft at Santa Monica, California (DC-3 NR. 11762), and delivered to the USAAF on July 12, 1943. It was assigned to the 72nd Troop Carrier Squadron, 434th Troop Carrier Group, while undergoing training with the 101st Airborne Division before departing for overseas in September, 1943. Upon arrival in England, the Group was assigned to the 9th Troop Carrier Command, 9th Air Force; and the aircraft was assigned to Group Headquarters, but continued to be maintained by the 72nd TCS, and bore the markings of that unit throughout the war. At dawn on D-Day, June 6, 1944, the 434th Group took the first 100 gliders into Normandy with the 101st Airborne. A total of three glider missions were flown over 6-7 June. The Group would participate in the subsequent airborne operations in Holland, at Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge, and finally in the final airborne operation over the Rhine River.

The markings on the aircraft are based upon a photograph taken over France in January, 1945; and indicate that the aircraft participated in three glider operations up to that time, as well as numerous medical evacuation and cargo missions. After the war the aircraft returned to the U.S. and was leased by American Airlines under Civilian Registration Number N19924. It would later be used by various government agencies before being sold to civilians. It was seized by the Drug Enforcement Agency and offered to the museum program. It was flown to the museum in June, 1987, and restored to military configuration by the museum staff.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Power Plants: Two 1,200 hp Pratt & Whitney R-1830 engines.

Dimensions:

Span: 95 ft 6 in.

Length: 63 ft 9 in.

Height: 17 ft 0 in.

Weight: Empty - 18,200 lbs. - Gross - 26,000.

Performance:

Max. Speed: 230 mph.

Ceiling: 24,000 ft.

Accommodation: 27 Troops, 18-24 litters, one up to two gliders.

Sikorsky CH-3E 'Jolly Green Giant'

Sat, 05 Apr 2008 15:36:59 -0700

USAF interest in the S-61 Navy helicopter resulted in the purchase of the first three units for use in servicing radar sites in the Atlantic Ocean, often called 'Texas Towers'. These were designated as CH-3Bs. A substitution of T58-GE-5 engines of 1,500 hp for the 1,300 hp units resulted in a redesignation of the craft to CH-3E. A version equipped with armor-plate, refueling probe, and machine gun armament served with the Air-Sea Rescue units in Vietnam, where the aircraft was given the nickname 'Jolly Green Giant'.

USAF S/N 65-5690 was manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft, Bridgeport, Connecticut, and was delivered to the Air Force on October 29, 1965. It was assigned to the 2nd Air Division (PACAF), Tan Son Nhut AFB, Vietnam in December, 1965. It was transferred to the. 377th Combat Support Group (PACAF), Tan Son Nhut AFB, in April, 1966; and the 20th Helicopter Squadron (PACAF), Tan Son Nhut, in October, 1966; 14th AF Communications Wing (PACAF), Tan Son Nhut, in December, 1966, and subsequently to Nha Trang AFB, Vietnam in July, 1968, and 14th Special Operations Wing (PACAF), Udorn AFB, Thailand in August, 1968. It was modified to CH-3E configuration and assigned to the 56th Special Operations Wing (PACAF), Udorn AFB. In August, 1971 it was transferred to the 355th Tactical Fighter Wing (TAC), Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona; to the 432nd Technical Operations Group (TAC), and to the Military Aircraft Storage Center (AFLC), Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona in January, 1979. It was withdrawn and sent to the AF Flight Testing Center (AFSC), Edwards AFB, California in October, 1979; and finally to the 129th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Group (ANG), Moffet AFB, California. It was flown to the 55th Air Rescue and Recovery Squadron (MAC), McClellan AFB, California, on 25 September, 1990, and turned over to the museum for display.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Accommodation: Up to 25 troops.

Power Plants: Two 1,500 hp General Electric T58-GE-5 turboprops.

Dimensions:

Rotor Diameter: 62 ft 0 in.

Length: 73 ft 0 in.

Height: 18 ft 1 in.

Weight: Empty - 12,423 lbs. Gross - 22,050 lbs.

Performance:

Max. Speed: 164 mph.

Service Ceiling: 13,600 ft.

Range: 480 miles.

North American T-6G 'Texan'

Sat, 05 Apr 2008 15:06:31 -0700

The North American T-6G 'Texan' began service as an advanced trainer, and served with the USAAF, USN, and Royal Canadian Air Forces where it was known as the 'Harvard'. It was introduced in 1938, replacing the North American BC-1 (Basic Combat) trainer. Over 10,000 aircraft of various designations would be produced for the Air Force. At the end of World War II, the T-6 became the primary trainer for aviation students. During the Korean War, the aircraft saw service as a Forward Air Controller (FAC) craft, carrying smoke-rockets under the wing for marking targets for fighter-bombers. After the war, many of the aircraft were overhauled and modified to the T-6G configuration, which included updated avionics, and a new canopy which provided clearer visibility. The T-6 was finally phased out of USAF service in 1955.

T-6G S/N 51-15124 was delivered to the Air Force on October 9, 1952 at the North American Aviation plant, Columbus, Ohio. It was assigned to the 3545th Pilot Training Wing (ATC), Goodfellow AFB, Texas on October 10, 1952. On January 24, 1953 it was transfered to the 3310th Tac Training Wing, Scott AFB, Illinois, where it remained until October 23, 1953 when it was transfered to Davis Monthan AFB, Arizona. For a brief period it was assigned to the Mobile Air Material Area, (AMC), Brookley AFB, Alabama, before being returned to Davis Monthan in December, 1954. There is no subsequent history of the aircraft in USAF records. The aircraft was aquired at a later date, along with several others, to restore several T-6 aircraft to airworth condition. 51-15124 was used for serviceable components; and a display aircraft was made up of components from several unairworthy aircraft. Although complete, it is not restored to flyable condition. It was placed on display in May, 1994.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Crew: Two.

Power Plant: One Pratt-Whitney R-1340 radial engine, rated at 600 hp.

Dimensions:

Span: 42 ft 0 in.

Length: 29 ft.

Height: 11 ft 9 in.

Armament: (W.W. II) One .30 caliber m/g on cowling; one .30 cal. m/g in right wing

panel; provisions for one flexible .30 cal. m/g in rear cockpit.

Performance:

Max. Speed: 205 mph at 5,000 ft.

Service Ceiling: 21,500 ft.

Range: 750 miles.

Convair F-102A 'Delta Dagger'

Sat, 05 Apr 2008 15:06:21 -0700

Built by Convair (General Dynamics); the F-102 was the first all-weather supersonic jet interceptor. First to use the 'area rule' design concept which pushed the speed beyond the sonic barrier, the F-102 was to be superseded by the more advanced F-106, which could exceed 1,000 mph. The delta wing control surfaces eliminated the need for horizontal control surfaces (stabilizer and elevators).

USAF S/N 56-1140 is an F-102A-65-CO, one of 875 F-102As built by Convair in San Diego, California. It was delivered to the USAF on June 4, 1957 and assigned to the 438th Fighter Interceptor Squadron (ADC), Kinrose AFB, Michigan. In March, 1958 it went to the 95th Fighter Interceptor Squadron (ADC), Andrews AFB, Maryland, and then in February, 1960 to the 509th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, Clark AB, Philippines. Its last assignment was with the 154th Fighter Group (ANG), Hickam AFB, Hawaii beginning in January, 1957. It was flown to the museum in a C-5 transport on October 7, 1984.

It is displayed in the colors of the 431st Fighter Interceptor Squadron 'Red Devils', and carries the number 55-431 in honor of that unit which was assigned to McClellan AFB as a test squadron for many years.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Crew: One.

Power Plant: One Pratt-Whitney J57-P-23, w/afterburner; 17,000 lb thrust.

Dimensions:

Span: 38 ft 1-1/2 in.

Length: 68 ft 3 in.

Height: 21 ft 2-1/2 in.

Performance: Max. Speed - 825 (Mach 1.2) at 36,000.

Armament: Six Hughes GAR-1D or -2A Falcon missiles, mounted on rails in three missile bays in fuselage. Provision for twenty-four 2.75 in. rockets in firing channels in missile bay doors.

McDonnell F-101B 'Voodoo'

Sat, 05 Apr 2008 15:06:17 -0700

Produced by McDonnell Aircraft Co., the F-101 was the first USAF fighter capable of over 1,000 mph in level flight. Originally designed as a long-range escort fighter, it was produced in two configurations: air defense fighter (F-101B), and reconnaissance (RF-101A). The F-101B first flew on March 27, 1957.

USAF S/N 57-427 is an F-101B-100-MC, one of 407 F-101Bs built by McDonnell Aircraft in St. Louis, Missouri. It was delivered to the Air Force on February 29, 1960 and assigned to the 52nd Fighter Group (ADC), Suffolk County AFB, New York. In November, 1969 it was transferred to the 101st Fighter Group (ANG), Dow AFB, Maine, and then in August, 1978 to the 147th Fighter Interceptor Group (ANG), Ellington AFB, Texas. It was flown to the museum on May 5, 1982.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Crew: two.

Power Plant: Two Pratt-Whitney J57-P-13, 10,000 lb. thrust turbojets w/afterburner.

Dimensions:

Span: 39 ft 8 in.

Length: 67 ft 5 in.

Height: 18 ft.

Performance:

Speed: 1,134 mph at 35,000 ft.

Armament: Three AIM-4D Falcon missiles internal.

Two AIR-2A Genie missiles w/nuclear warheads external.

MG-13 Fire control system with automatic search and track

North American F-100D 'Super Sabre'

Sat, 05 Apr 2008 15:06:12 -0700

Built by North American Aviation, this was the first production supersonic aircraft. It served as a fighter-bomber during the Vietnam War; and was used by the USAF 'Thunderbirds' for many years. It is equipped with an aerial refueling boom under the right wing.

USAF S/N 56-3288 was built by North American in Inglewood, California, and was assigned to the 493rd Tactical Fighter Squadron, 48th Tactical Fighter Wing (USAFE), first at Toul-Rosieres AB, France, then at Lakenheath AB, England. In March, 1972 it went to the 131st Tactical Fighter Group (ANG), St. Louis, Missouri. It was retired to Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona in December, 1975. It was flown to the museum in 1983. It is currently displayed in the colors and markings it carried while with the 48th Tactical Fighter Wing in England.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Power Plant: One Pratt-Whitney J57-P-21A, with afterburner; 11,700 lb. thrust

turbojet.

Dimensions:

Span: 38 ft.

Length: 47 ft.

Height: 16 ft.

Weight: Max. 28,000 lbs.

Performance:

Max. Speed: w/afterburner - 750-760 mph.

Service Ceiling: over 50,000 ft.

Range: Combat radius - 575 miles w/o refueling.

Armament: Four 20mm M-39E cannon w/200 rounds per gun. Six underwing pylons for up to 6,000 lbs. of bombs or rockets.

North American F-86L 'Dog Sabre'

Sat, 05 Apr 2008 15:06:08 -0700

Built by North American Aviation, a radar guided, rocket armed, all-weather fighter-interceptor derived from the F-86 'Sabre' of Korean War fame. Originally designated the F-86D, the aircraft underwent modifications to upgrade the original radar/fire control systems to provide 'data-link' capability between the aircraft and ground controllers, eliminating the use of vocal instructions during intercept missions. New wing slats and an increase in wing span of 2 feet improved performance of the -L over the -D.

USAF S/N 5102968 was built as an F-86D-20-NA by North American Aviation in Inglewood, California, and delivered to the Air Force on April 22, 1953. It was first sent to the 97th Fighter Interceptor Squadron (ADC), Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio. In March, 1955 it went to the 3555th Combat Crew Training Wing (ATC), Perrin AFB, Texas. It was sent to Fresno, California for modification to an F-86L in February, 1957. In November, 1959 it went to the 124th Fighter Interceptor Group (ANG), Boise, Idaho where it remained until it was retired in April, 1964. The aircraft was obtained by a rancher in Texas, who donated it to the museum in 1983.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Crew: One.

Power Plant: one General Electric J47-GE-27, 5,970 lb. thrust turbojet.

Dimensions:

Span: 39 ft 1 in.

Length: 41 ft.

Height: 14 ft.

Weight: Max - 16,500 lbs.

Performance:

Max. Speed: 670 mph.

Service Ceiling: 53,000 ft.

Tactical Radius: 535 miles.

Armament: Twenty-four 2.75 inch unguided rockets carried in an internal tray in fuselage.

Douglas C-54D 'Skymaster'

Sat, 05 Apr 2008 15:06:05 -0700

Developed as a civilian transport and first flown in 1938, the DC-4E was redesigned and placed into production as a troop and cargo aircraft in 1941. Used extensively in the Pacific Theater, the C-54s assigned to the Air Transport Command made over 79,000 ocean crossing during the war with a loss of only three aircraft. One was fitted with an elevator for use by President Roosevelt, and dubbed 'The Sacred Cow'. The C-54 was the backbone of the 'Berlin Airlift' in 1948-1949.

USAAF S/N 42-72449 is a C-54D-1-DC, one of 380 C-54Ds built by Douglas Aircraft in Chicago, Illinois and accepted on February 5, 1945. It was flown to the San Diego Naval Air Station and transferred to the U.S. Navy as R5D-3 with the Bu. No. 50874, and it spent its entire service life with the Navy. It served with a number of units including VR-1 at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland; VR-8 at Hickam AFB, Hawaii; VR-22 at NAS Norfolk, Virginia; and VR-24 at Port Lyautey, Morocco. Designated as a C-54Q in 1962, its final assignment began in September, 1962 with the Office of Naval Research in Boston, Massachusetts. It was retired to Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona in February, 1970, and sold to Mercy Airlift Inc. as N27MA in September, 1975. The aircraft was painted and flown to the museum by Aero Union of Chico, California on January 23, 1990. It is on permanent loan from the U.S. Forestry Service.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Crew: Five, accommodations for 50 troops.

Power Plants: Four 1,200 hp Pratt & Whitney R-2000 engines.

Dimensions:

Span: 117 ft 6 in.

Length: 93 ft 10 in.

Height: 27 ft 6 in.

Performance:

Max. Speed: 265 mph.

Service Ceiling: 22,000 ft.

Range: 3,900 miles.

Lockheed EC-121D 'Warning Star'

Sat, 05 Apr 2008 15:06:00 -0700

Built by Lockheed Aircraft, it was derived from the Lockheed L-1049 Super Constellation commercial airliner. It was first developed by the Navy as an airborne picket plane carrying special electronic gear. A similar USAF variant was produced for airborne early warning operations. They entered service with the Air Defense Command in October, 1953 with the 552nd AEW & C Wing operating patrols off the U.S. West Coast from McClellan AFB, California. During the Vietnam War, aircraft from the 552nd operated from airfields in South Vietnam providing early warning and control for U.S. aircraft flying missions over North Vietnam during Project 'College Eye'.

Navy Bu.No. 141309 is a Navy WV-2 built by Lockheed Aircraft in Burbank, California and delivered to the Navy in August, 1956. It served with VW-13, VW-15, and VW-2 at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland; and in November, 1961 it was sent to the Pacific Missile Range, NAS Point Mugu, California. It was retired to Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona in March, 1978, and was flown to the museum in April, 1983.

The museum's 'Warning Star' was given the USAF S/N 53-552 in honor of the 552nd Airborne Early Warning and Control Wing which was stationed at McClellan from 1953 to 1977.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Crew: 22, including radar operators.

Power Plants: Four 3,250 hp Wright R-3350-35 engines.

Dimensions:

Span: 126 ft 2 in.

Length: 116 ft 2 in.

Height: 27 ft 0 in.

Weight: Empty - 80,611 lbs. Gross - 143,600 lbs.

Performance:

Speed: 321 mph at 20,000 ft.

Service Ceiling: 20,600 ft.

Range: 4,600 miles.

Grumman HU-16B 'Albatross'

Sat, 05 Apr 2008 15:05:28 -0700

The HU-16 was the largest twin engine amphibian built by Grumman Aircraft. The USAF ordered 297 aircraft for use in the air-sea rescue role, as the 'Albatross' was able to operate from land, water, and snow and ice when fitted with skis. The prototype made its first flight on October 24, 1947. In the Korean and Vietnam Wars it was credited with hundreds of saves, and besides the USAF, it also saw service with the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Navy, and 22 foreign countries. The original designation for the 'Albatross' was SA-16, and the -B model was the result of a 16-1/2 foot increase in the wing span. In 1962 the designation was changed to HU-16, and in Coast Guard service the HU-16B was known as the HU-16E.

USAF S/N 51-7209 is a HU-16B, one of 464 built by Grumman Aircraft in Bethpage, New York. It was delivered to the USAF on July 16, 1953 and assigned to the 1707th Training Squadron (MATS), Palm Beach, Florida. In May, 1959 it was deployed to Brookley AFB, Alabama; and in March, 1960 it was sent for storage at Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona. In April, 1961 it was transferred to the U.S. Coast Guard and assigned to CG Station Port Angelus, Washington. Its last two assignments were CG Station Corpus Christi, Texas in August, 1975; and CG Station Traverse City, Michigan in March, 1978. In October 1978 it was flown to Luke AFB, Arizona for display, and on March 28, 1988 it was carried by a C-5 to McClellan AFB for restoration and display in the museum. It was restored by the CG Station McClellan AFB, and bears Coast Guard markings.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Crew: Two pilots, navigator, radio operator and two medical attendants.

Power Plants: Two 1,425 hp Wright R-1820-76A or -76B radial engines.

Dimensions:

Span: 96 ft 8 in.

Length: 61 ft 3 in.

Height: 25 ft 10 in.

Weight: Empty - 22,883 lbs. Gross - 32,000 lbs.

Performance:

Max. Speed: 236 mph at 18,800 ft.

Service Ceiling: 25,000 ft.

Range: 3,220 miles.

Fairchild C-119G 'Flying Boxcar'

Sat, 05 Apr 2008 15:05:15 -0700

The Fairchild C-119 was a larger and improved version of the Fairchild C-82 'Packet'. It was designed for the air-drop of paratroops and large cargo, and it featured rear clam-shell doors along with a monorail system for the delivery of items through doors in the floor of the cargo compartment. Initial versions were powered by the Pratt-Whitney R-4360 engines, but later versions use the R-3350 engine, and gross weight was increased to 85,000 lbs. The most produced version of the aircraft was the C-119G. C-119s served principally with Troop Carrier Command Wings; and saw wartime service in Korea with the 314th Air Division. Several aircraft were modified in 1960 using 'snatch' techniques to recover space capsules during their descent from orbit. During the Vietnam War, some C-119s were coverted to 'gun-ships' (AC-119), and equipped with two 20mm rotary barrel cannons in gun pods.

RCAF S/N 22114 is a C-119G built by Fairchild Aircraft at Hagerstown, Maryland and delivered to the Royal Canadian Air Force Air Transport Command on March 18, 1953. It served with various units including No. 436 Squadron at Downsview, and later Uplands, Ontario. It was flown to the RCAF Storage Area at Saskatoon, Saskatchewan on June 28, 1965; and sold to a private firm in the United States on February 1, 1967. The aircraft was flown to the museum from Greybull, Wyoming on October 24, 1988. It is currently painted in USAF markings.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Power Plants: Two 2,700 hp Pratt & Whitney R-3350-85 radial engines.

Dimensions:

Span: 109 ft 3 in.

Length: 86 ft 6 in.

Height: 26 ft 6 in.

Weight: Empty - 39,800 lbs. Gross - 74,000 lbs.

Performance:

Max. Speed: 281 mph at 18,000 ft.

Service Ceiling: 23,900 ft.

Range 1,770 miles.

Fairchild-Republic A-10A 'Thunderbolt II' (Warthog)

Sat, 05 Apr 2008 15:05:08 -0700

Fairchild-Republic A-10A was designed as a close support aircraft for the USAF. It first flew in 1972. It is powered by two General Electric TF-34-GE-100 high-bypass-ratio turbofan engines. Armament includes a GE GAU-8/A 'Avenger' 30-mm seven-barrel cannon, and the capability to carry up to 8 tons of external weapons on eight underwing and three centerline pylons. The aircraft saw its first combat during Operation Desert Storm in 1991. A decision to replace the A-10A with a close-support version of the F-16 resulted in withdrawal of the aircraft for a time. This decision has since been reversed and the A-10A and AO-10A versions are rejoining the active force.

USAF S/N 76-540 is an A-10A, one of 713 A-10As built by Fairchild-Republic at Hagerstown, Maryland. It was delivered to the 354th Tactical Fighter Wing (TAC), Myrtle Beach AFB, South Carolina in 1978. In August, 1983 it was sent to the 706th Tac Fighter Squadron (AFRES), NAS New Orleans, Louisiana. During an Operation Desert Storm mission on January 31, 1991, the aircraft suffered major damage when struck by a surface-to-air missile. All hydraulic controls were lost, and the pilot, Major Jim Rose, managed to bring it home using backup systems. After repairs, it was flown to McClellan on August 22, 1991 to supply parts to other A-10s before being retired to the museum.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Power Plants: Two General Electric TF-34-GE-100 turbofans, rated at 9,065 lb. thrust.

Dimensions:

Span: 57 ft 6 in.

Length: 53 ft 4 in.

Height: 14 ft 8 in.

Weight: Empty - 20,246 lb.; Maximum Gross - 47,400 lbs.

Performance:

Speed: Maximum - 518 mph.

Range: 2,647 miles.

Douglas A-1E 'Skyraider'

Sat, 05 Apr 2008 10:10:07 -0700

Built by Douglas Aircraft Corp., the A-1E (AD-5) served as a Navy attack bomber during the Korean War. During the Vietnam War, 50 aircraft were taken from storage and used by USAF and RVN pilots for close support and escorting rescue helicopters. An aircraft similar to this was flown by Major Bernard Fisher when he rescued a fellow pilot from behind enemy lines on March 10, 1966. Fisher became the first Medal of Honor recipient in the USAF during the Vietnam conflict.

U.S. Navy Bu.No. 132463 was one of 670 AD-5s built by Douglas at their El Segundo, California plant; and accepted by the Navy in February, 1954. It served aboard the U.S.S. Shangri-la, U.S.S. Franklin Roosevelt, U.S.S. Intrepid, and U.S.S. Enterprise before being stricken from the records in July, 1963. It was brought to the museum from storage in October, 1985, and restored by the museum staff. It is painted in the markings of the 1st Special Operations Squadron, 14th Special Operations Wing.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Crew: A-1E - one or two in side-by-side seats; AD-5 - five.

Power Plant: 2,7000 hp Wright R-3350-26W radial engine.

Dimensions:

Span: 50 ft 9 in.

Length: 39 ft.

Height: 15 ft 7 in.

Weight: 18,800 lbs.

Performance:

Speed: 365 mph maximum at 15,000 ft.

Ceiling: over 25,000 ft.

Combat Radius: 1,500 miles.

Armament: four 20mm cannon, plus twelve wing stations for bombs and/or rockets.

McDonnell-Douglas F-4C 'Phantom II'

Sat, 05 Apr 2008 09:13:38 -0700

Built by McDonnell Aircraft originally as a twin-engined, two-seat, long-range, all-weather interceptor and attack bomber for the Navy, the F-4 was adopted by the Air Force to replace the F-105 when combat losses reached the point that aircraft could not be replaced. The prototype first flew on May 27, 1958. The F-4C was developed for the USAF and first flew on May 27, 1963. Folding wings and arrester gear were retained, but the aircraft underwent significant modification. Two squadrons of F-4C were later modified as 'Wild Weasel' aircraft.

USAF S/N 64-706 is an F-4C-22-MC, one of 583 F-4Cs built by McDonnell Aircraft, in St. Louis, Missouri. It was delivered to the USAF on May 12, 1965 and assigned to the 366th Tactical Fighter Wing (TAC), Holloman AFB, New Mexico. In January, 1966 it was sent to the 12th Tactical Fighter Wing (PACAF), Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam for a two year combat tour. In April, 1968 it went to the 479th Tactical Fighter Wing (TAC), George AFB, California. The final two assignments were to the 58th Tactical Fighter Wing (TAC), Luke AFB, Arizona in August, 1974, and the 191st Fighter Interceptor Group (ANG), Selfridge AFB, Michigan. It was flown to the museum on July 22, 1986.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Crew: Two.

Power Plants: Two General Electric J79-GE-15, 17,500 lb thrust each.

Dimensions:

Span: 38 ft 7-1/2 in.

Length: 63 ft 0 in.

Height: 16 ft 5-1/2 in.

Weight: Gross - 58,000 lbs.

Performance:

Speed: 1,386 mph at 36,000 ft.

Armament: Can carry over 16,000 lbs of ordnance, including missiles,

bombs, 20mm gun pod, etc.