Preserving the Air Force's proud legacy, the Restoration Division restores aircraft and aerospace vehicles to historically accurate and visually striking levels. Division members are well versed in a variety of skills ranging from machine and woodworking expertise to precision craftsmanship in sheet metal and painting. Their knowledge of aircraft spans years of technology -- from World War I fabric covered aircraft to the elite fighters of today's Air Force.
Restoration workers also maintain the museum's vast aircraft collection, move aircraft into exhibit position and work hand-in-hand with the Exhibits and Research Divisions and museum management on ever-changing gallery displays. The Restoration Division relies heavily on a dedicated, talented cadre of volunteers in accomplishing its mission.
Click here for a list of parts needed by the Restoration Division Chief.
The crew of the aircraft named it Shoo Shoo Shoo Baby, after a popular song. In 1968 Shoo Shoo Shoo Baby was found abandoned in France, and the French government presented the airplane to the U.S. Air Force. In July 1978 the 512th Military Airlift Wing moved it to Dover Air Force Base, Del., for restoration by the volunteers of the 512th Antique Restoration Group. After a massive 10-year job of restoration to flying condition, the aircraft was flown to the museum in October 1988.
The B-17G Shoo Shoo Shoo Baby has been placed in storage in the restoration area until it is transferred to the Smithsonian's National Air & Space Museum. Click here for more information about the aircraft.
This aircraft is currently in storage. Click here for more information and photos of the F-15.
This aircraft is currently in the restoration hangar. Click here for more information about the aircraft.
This aircraft is currently in storage.
Interior clean up started by volunteers.
- Memphis Belle Official Photo Shoot - Painting the Memphis Belle nose art - Time Lapse of B-17F Memphis Belle move (nose cone view) - Memphis Belle Moves to WWII Gallery - Memphis Belle Restoration Time Lapse - Time Lapse - Aircraft move in WWII Gallery - Memphis Belle Restoration-Names added to aircraft - Memphis Belle Prop Install-Jan 2018 - B-17F Memphis Belle Restoration: Markings & More - Restoration Update-Jan. 2018 - Memphis Belle Painting View Nov-2017 - Restoration Crew Cleaning Memphis Belle - Memphis Belle Tail Turret Install - Memphis Belle Wing-Tip Installation - Restoration Update-March 2017 - Restoration Update-Feb. 2017 - Restoring the Memphis Belle
The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force is located at:
1100 Spaatz Street Wright-Patterson AFB OH 45433
(near Dayton, Ohio)