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OTD Event said: On November 18, 1978, the first F

OTD Event said:

On November 18, 1978, the first Full Scale Development McDonnell Douglas F/A-18A-1-MC Hornet, Bureau Number 160775, completed its maiden flight from Lambert–St. Louis International Airport in Missouri. Piloted by McDonnell Douglas Chief Test Pilot John Edward “Jack” Krings, the inaugural flight lasted 50 minutes and reached an altitude of 24,000 feet. This milestone marked the transition of the F/A-18 Hornet from prototype to a fully realized multirole combat aircraft, setting the stage for one of the most versatile fighters in U.S. Navy history.

The F/A-18 Hornet originated from the Northrop YF-17, a design that lost to the F-16 in the U.S. Air Force’s Lightweight Fighter competition but was repurposed for naval use. Initially, separate fighter and attack variants, designated F-18 and A-18, were proposed. However, the Navy and its contractors, McDonnell Douglas and Northrop, opted for a unified airframe capable of fulfilling both roles. The result was the F/A-18, a twin-engine, carrier-capable fighter with the agility, weapons systems, and avionics to perform a wide range of missions. Northrop served as the principal subcontractor in this collaborative effort.

The success of that first flight launched a legacy that continues to the present day. The Hornet family evolved into the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, now produced by Boeing, and remains a key element of U.S. naval air power. The original aircraft, Bu. No. 160775, was eventually retired and placed on static display at the Naval Air Warfare Center at China Lake, California.

A new era of warfare began on June 13, 1944, when

A new era of warfare began on June 13, 1944, when the first German V-1 “Buzz Bomb” was launched toward London. First tested in 1942, the V-1 was the world’s first operational cruise missile, a simple, mass-produced weapon designed to strike cities and spread terror.

Powered by a pulsejet engine that emitted its infamous “buzzing” sound, the V-1 flew at low altitudes and high speed, making it difficult to intercept. Of the nearly 10,000 launched at London, fewer than 2,500 reached their targets, as British defenses, such as barrage balloons, anti-aircraft fire, and fast interceptors, evolved to meet the threat.

Aircraft such as the Tempest, Mosquito, Spitfire XIV, and P-51 Mustang became effective V-1 hunters. Pilots sometimes employed a daring tactic known as “tipping,” using their wing to disrupt the V-1’s airflow and send it spiraling out of control. The specially designed P-47M Thunderbolt was developed in part to counter these missiles.

V-1s were launched either from 152-foot inclined ramps or air-dropped from Heinkel He 111 bombers. Their launch sites became top Allied bombing targets, second in priority only to active battlefront requirements. When ground forces captured sites within range of London, the Germans redirected their attacks toward Antwerp, another vital Allied hub.

This V-1 was received into our collection in November 2006. No specific service history is available.

Sneaking up on Thomas while he works on his A&P, b

Sneaking up on Thomas while he works on his A&P, because nothing says “learning experience” like realizing your boss is filming.

On November 14, 1974, the United States Air Force

On November 14, 1974, the United States Air Force formally accepted delivery of its first operational McDonnell Douglas F-15A Eagle air superiority fighters at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona. The historic ceremony marked the introduction of one of the most advanced combat aircraft of its era into active service.

The F-15A Eagle emerged from a Cold War imperative to maintain American air superiority amid rising global tensions and advancing Soviet aerospace capabilities. Development began in the late 1960s under the guidance of McDonnell Douglas Corporation, with its design focused on speed, agility, and survivability in air-to-air combat. Engineered to reach Mach 2.5 and equipped with twin Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-100 engines, the aircraft could achieve vertical climbs and deploy a mix of AIM-7 Sparrow and AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles. The arrival of the F-15 represented a pivotal evolution in air combat doctrine, emphasizing first-look, first-shot, first-kill capability.

Following its delivery, the F-15A became the backbone of U.S. air dominance throughout the latter half of the 20th century. The aircraft's performance and reliability led to the production of 384 units before transitioning to the upgraded F-15C variant. As new models entered service, F-15As were reassigned to Air National Guard units for the defense of continental U.S. airspace. The final F-15A was retired in 2009, capping a legacy that spanned 35 years of service. The introduction of the F-15A at Luke Air Force Base not only marked a technological milestone but also reinforced the strategic deterrence posture of the United States during the height of the Cold War.

Do you know what the newest variant of the F-15 is?

On this day in 1935, the Noorduyn Norseman took to

On this day in 1935, the Noorduyn Norseman took to the skies for the first time. Designed in Canada by Robert B.C. Noorduyn, it was built from the ground up for the rugged realities of the North, able to operate on wheels, floats, or skis, and tough enough to land where few other aircraft could.

With its high-wing, steel tube fuselage and fabric skin, the Norseman quickly became a favorite among bush pilots and military forces alike. During World War II, it served as a utility workhorse for the U.S. Army Air Forces, flying cargo, personnel, and medevac missions from Alaska to the South Pacific. Today, it’s remembered as one of the most versatile and durable bush planes ever built.

📸 @geraldwillig

The F-100 Super Sabre marked a new era in aviation

The F-100 Super Sabre marked a new era in aviation history as the first U.S. Air Force fighter capable of exceeding the speed of sound in level flight. Introduced in 1953, it set the world’s first supersonic speed record in 1955, officially ushering in the legendary Century Series of jet fighters.

Featuring a swept wing, low-mounted tail, and the use of heat-resistant titanium, the F-100 represented a major step forward in performance and design. It was also among the first aircraft to incorporate multiple automatic systems, including leading-edge slats, pressurization, air conditioning, and advanced fuel management.

The F-100C variant, introduced in 1955, added a “wet wing” design that carried over 1,600 gallons of fuel, in-flight refueling capability, and hardpoints for drop tanks and bombs, transforming the aircraft into a capable fighter-bomber. It even captured the Bendix Trophy that year with an average speed of 610 mph.

This F-100C-25, serial number 54-2091, was delivered on March 29, 1956. It served with multiple Tactical Air Command units, including the 413th and 479th Fighter-Day Groups, and later with Air National Guard squadrons and overseas deployments in Korea. After years of distinguished service, it was retired in 1972 and joined our collection in 2004.

Here's an up-close look at our latest Allison 1710

Here's an up-close look at our latest Allison 1710! Shoutout to @strixaero for a fantastic job overhauling the carburetor!

Today, we honor all who have served. To every vet

Today, we honor all who have served.

To every veteran, past and present—thank you for your courage, commitment, and sacrifice. Your service has made the freedoms we enjoy possible.

As our way of saying thank you, all veterans receive free admission to the museum today!

Join us in celebrating 250 years of the United Sta

Join us in celebrating 250 years of the United States Marine Corps, founded on November 10, 1775, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, by the Second Continental Congress. Created to serve as landing forces for the Continental Navy, fighting both at sea and ashore, the first Marines were recruited at the historic Tun Tavern, beginning a proud tradition of service that continues today.

Let’s try “Obscure Aircraft” for $700, Alex…

Remember to put your answer in the form of a question. 😉

Our Noorduyn Norseman has come a long way in the l

Our Noorduyn Norseman has come a long way in the last few years! Swipe to see the progress!

Built for rugged reliability, the Norseman served around the world in some of the toughest flying conditions of WWII. Seeing it complete again is a proud moment for our restoration team and a reminder of the craftsmanship that keeps aviation history alive.

The Lockheed XH-51 was born out of a big question

The Lockheed XH-51 was born out of a big question facing military aviation in the early 1960s: could helicopters be made faster, more agile, and more stable, especially for combat roles? At the time, traditional rotor systems limited speed and maneuverability, so Lockheed proposed a radical solution: a rigid rotor system. Unlike flexible or teetering rotors that absorb movement, Lockheed’s rigid design promised precise, responsive control at higher speeds. The XH-51 was the testbed to prove it could work.

Early test flights showed promise, especially after Lockheed added a fourth rotor blade to fix stability issues. Then came the compound version, with stub wings and a jet engine. That aircraft reached speeds over 300 mph in a shallow dive, faster than many fighter planes of World War II and far beyond anything helicopters had done up to that point. It was a glimpse into a new kind of rotorcraft, one that blended the vertical lift of a helicopter with the forward speed of a jet.

So why didn’t it have a full production run? Several reasons. First, the XH-51 was always experimental and never meant to be a direct production aircraft. Second, while the rigid rotor worked, it introduced new engineering challenges, including vibration and structural stress at high speeds. Finally, Lockheed was a newcomer to helicopters. When the Army launched its next-gen gunship competition (which led to the AH-56 Cheyenne), Lockheed won the contract but ran into delays, cost overruns, and political pushback. The Cheyenne was ultimately cancelled in 1972, and with it, Lockheed’s entire helicopter program.

Still, the XH-51 wasn’t a dead end. It directly influenced future compound helicopter designs and helped NASA and the Army better understand rotor behavior at high speeds. In some ways, you can trace a line from the XH-51 to today’s high-speed rotorcraft like the Sikorsky Raider or Defiant X. It didn’t become a product, but it helped shape what’s possible.

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OTD Event said: On November 18, 1978, the first F

OTD Event said:

On November 18, 1978, the first Full Scale Development McDonnell Douglas F/A-18A-1-MC Hornet, Bureau Number 160775, completed its maiden flight from Lambert–St. Louis International Airport in Missouri. Piloted by McDonnell Douglas Chief Test Pilot John Edward “Jack” Krings, the inaugural flight lasted 50 minutes and reached an altitude of 24,000 feet. This milestone marked the transition of the F/A-18 Hornet from prototype to a fully realized multirole combat aircraft, setting the stage for one of the most versatile fighters in U.S. Navy history.

The F/A-18 Hornet originated from the Northrop YF-17, a design that lost to the F-16 in the U.S. Air Force’s Lightweight Fighter competition but was repurposed for naval use. Initially, separate fighter and attack variants, designated F-18 and A-18, were proposed. However, the Navy and its contractors, McDonnell Douglas and Northrop, opted for a unified airframe capable of fulfilling both roles. The result was the F/A-18, a twin-engine, carrier-capable fighter with the agility, weapons systems, and avionics to perform a wide range of missions. Northrop served as the principal subcontractor in this collaborative effort.

The success of that first flight launched a legacy that continues to the present day. The Hornet family evolved into the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, now produced by Boeing, and remains a key element of U.S. naval air power. The original aircraft, Bu. No. 160775, was eventually retired and placed on static display at the Naval Air Warfare Center at China Lake, California.

A new era of warfare began on June 13, 1944, when

A new era of warfare began on June 13, 1944, when the first German V-1 “Buzz Bomb” was launched toward London. First tested in 1942, the V-1 was the world’s first operational cruise missile, a simple, mass-produced weapon designed to strike cities and spread terror.

Powered by a pulsejet engine that emitted its infamous “buzzing” sound, the V-1 flew at low altitudes and high speed, making it difficult to intercept. Of the nearly 10,000 launched at London, fewer than 2,500 reached their targets, as British defenses, such as barrage balloons, anti-aircraft fire, and fast interceptors, evolved to meet the threat.

Aircraft such as the Tempest, Mosquito, Spitfire XIV, and P-51 Mustang became effective V-1 hunters. Pilots sometimes employed a daring tactic known as “tipping,” using their wing to disrupt the V-1’s airflow and send it spiraling out of control. The specially designed P-47M Thunderbolt was developed in part to counter these missiles.

V-1s were launched either from 152-foot inclined ramps or air-dropped from Heinkel He 111 bombers. Their launch sites became top Allied bombing targets, second in priority only to active battlefront requirements. When ground forces captured sites within range of London, the Germans redirected their attacks toward Antwerp, another vital Allied hub.

This V-1 was received into our collection in November 2006. No specific service history is available.

Sneaking up on Thomas while he works on his A&P, b

Sneaking up on Thomas while he works on his A&P, because nothing says “learning experience” like realizing your boss is filming.

On November 14, 1974, the United States Air Force

On November 14, 1974, the United States Air Force formally accepted delivery of its first operational McDonnell Douglas F-15A Eagle air superiority fighters at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona. The historic ceremony marked the introduction of one of the most advanced combat aircraft of its era into active service.

The F-15A Eagle emerged from a Cold War imperative to maintain American air superiority amid rising global tensions and advancing Soviet aerospace capabilities. Development began in the late 1960s under the guidance of McDonnell Douglas Corporation, with its design focused on speed, agility, and survivability in air-to-air combat. Engineered to reach Mach 2.5 and equipped with twin Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-100 engines, the aircraft could achieve vertical climbs and deploy a mix of AIM-7 Sparrow and AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles. The arrival of the F-15 represented a pivotal evolution in air combat doctrine, emphasizing first-look, first-shot, first-kill capability.

Following its delivery, the F-15A became the backbone of U.S. air dominance throughout the latter half of the 20th century. The aircraft's performance and reliability led to the production of 384 units before transitioning to the upgraded F-15C variant. As new models entered service, F-15As were reassigned to Air National Guard units for the defense of continental U.S. airspace. The final F-15A was retired in 2009, capping a legacy that spanned 35 years of service. The introduction of the F-15A at Luke Air Force Base not only marked a technological milestone but also reinforced the strategic deterrence posture of the United States during the height of the Cold War.

Do you know what the newest variant of the F-15 is?

On this day in 1935, the Noorduyn Norseman took to

On this day in 1935, the Noorduyn Norseman took to the skies for the first time. Designed in Canada by Robert B.C. Noorduyn, it was built from the ground up for the rugged realities of the North, able to operate on wheels, floats, or skis, and tough enough to land where few other aircraft could.

With its high-wing, steel tube fuselage and fabric skin, the Norseman quickly became a favorite among bush pilots and military forces alike. During World War II, it served as a utility workhorse for the U.S. Army Air Forces, flying cargo, personnel, and medevac missions from Alaska to the South Pacific. Today, it’s remembered as one of the most versatile and durable bush planes ever built.

📸 @geraldwillig

The F-100 Super Sabre marked a new era in aviation

The F-100 Super Sabre marked a new era in aviation history as the first U.S. Air Force fighter capable of exceeding the speed of sound in level flight. Introduced in 1953, it set the world’s first supersonic speed record in 1955, officially ushering in the legendary Century Series of jet fighters.

Featuring a swept wing, low-mounted tail, and the use of heat-resistant titanium, the F-100 represented a major step forward in performance and design. It was also among the first aircraft to incorporate multiple automatic systems, including leading-edge slats, pressurization, air conditioning, and advanced fuel management.

The F-100C variant, introduced in 1955, added a “wet wing” design that carried over 1,600 gallons of fuel, in-flight refueling capability, and hardpoints for drop tanks and bombs, transforming the aircraft into a capable fighter-bomber. It even captured the Bendix Trophy that year with an average speed of 610 mph.

This F-100C-25, serial number 54-2091, was delivered on March 29, 1956. It served with multiple Tactical Air Command units, including the 413th and 479th Fighter-Day Groups, and later with Air National Guard squadrons and overseas deployments in Korea. After years of distinguished service, it was retired in 1972 and joined our collection in 2004.

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