National Museum of the USAF - Research & Development Gallery

Exhibits > Research & Development Gallery

Research & Development Gallery

Note: The requirements for visiting this gallery are listed below.

Located adjacent to the Presidential Gallery, the Research & Development/Flight Test Gallery honors the pioneering spirit of air power visionaries who have sought through the decades to achieve greater possibilities. Gallery visitors can view unique and exotically designed aircraft, such as the only remaining aircraft of its kind, the imposing XB-70 Valkyrie, which could fly three times the speed of sound.

Presidential/R&D Requirements

The Presidential and Research & Development/Flight Test Galleries, located on the active part of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, are accessible using the shuttle bus service from the main museum complex. This service is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Sign up early as buses fill up quickly!

Buses are not handicapped accessible. Individuals requiring special assistance should contact the museum's Operations Division in advance at (937) 255-3286 to arrange transportation.

Military and Department of Defense civilians with government ID may use their private vehicle to visit the Presidential and R&D/Flight Test Galleries.

Note: A current government-issued photo ID (i.e. state ID or driver's license) is required for citizens of the U.S. and U.S. territories over age 18. All foreign visitors must present an original passport (a NEXUS card is an acceptable form of ID for Canadian citizens). Those under age 18 must be escorted by an adult (one adult per two children); children are not required to produce identification when accompanying their parents.

Hours of Operation

The Presidential and R&D Galleries are now operating on the following schedule. On weekdays, buses leave the museum every 30 minutes from 9:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. On weekends and holidays, buses leave the museum every 45 minutes from 9:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Participants must attend a briefing 15 minutes before their bus departs the museum. For those with base access, the galleries will be open from 9:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily (use Gate 1B on week days and Gate 19B on weekends).

Note: Due to scheduled aircraft movement, the Presidential Gallery will be closed to visitors on Dec. 5, but will resume normal operating hours on Dec. 6. Click here for more information.