Page 21 - World Airshow News Autumn 2024

The museum’s C-47
is one of several
airplanes that fly
regularly at airshows
and for passenger
rides (photo by Jim
Froneberger).

The museum’s
F-117 Nighthawk
stealth fighter
is one of only a
handful on public
display (photo by
Jim Froneberger).

a new exhibit hangar the museum is plan- The program was cancelled in 2002 million project to modify how guests en-
ning to build that will focus on rocketry due to budget cuts. ter and exit the museum and to add the
and high speed aircraft. They hope to start Auen Learning Center, a new classroom
construction on the new hangar by fall of mORE GROWtH facility that will triple the museum’s ca-
2025. The museum is always on the lookout pacity for instructional programs. Com-
The museum will also begin a new for new aircraft to expand their collec- pletion of the full remodel project is an-
youth rocketry program in early 2025 tion, and they have recently acquired a ticipated for early 2026.
that will eventually move into the new Saab J35 Draken, the first European-built “It’s important to keep these historic
hangar. They have retained retired Lock- supersonic combat aircraft. Another new aircraft out there, especially our flying air-
heed Skunk works lead engineer Mike acquisition is a Sikorsky HH-60G Pave craft,” concludes Fred Bell. “There’s noth-
Swanson to help develop the curriculum Hawk helicopter, a modified Blackhawk ing like seeing these airplanes in the air.
for the new rocketry program. designed to conduct day or night per- A P-51, when it starts to pick up speed
The museum has also recently learned sonnel rescue and recovery operations during aerobatics and it starts to whistle,
they have been chosen by NASA to dis- in hostile environments. They have also with the air going through the scoop, is
play the experimental X-38 lifting body completed the full “Century Series” of such a distinctive sound. I don’t know if
vehicle that was tested between 1995 and jet fighters, having acquired a McDon- I can say it’s spiritual, but it’s something
2002 as a possible crew return vehicle nell F-101 Voodoo to add to their F-100, that you never forget!”.
for astronauts on the International Space F-102, F-104, F-105, and F-106.
Station. Construction is underway now on a $3

World Airshow News 21 Quarter 4, 2024