Restoration Projects

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.

Restoration Photos

Restoration News

Current Projects
The Restoration staff is currently working on the following projects. Use the menus to view project information and click on the thumbnails below to view larger images.
B-17D The Swoose
Work on this aircraft has temporarily been suspended as the Restoration Division focuses on other top priorities. Click here for more information and photos of The Swoose.
B-17G Shoo Shoo Shoo Baby

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.
F-15 Streak Eagle

This aircraft is currently in storage. Click here for more information and photos of the F-15.
C-123K Provider
Volunteers continue to polish the outside sheet metal. This aircraft is on display in the Southeast Asia War Gallery. Click here for more information and photos of the C-123K.
Curtiss A-25A Rudder
A rudder has been obtained from the National Naval Aviation Museum to use as a pattern to duplicate the missing rudder on the museum's A-25A. All sheet metal repairs are being fabricated. Click here for more information and photos of the A-25A.
MC-12

This aircraft is currently in storage.
X-32A
This aircraft is currently in storage. Click here for more information and photos of the Boeing X-32A.
XC-142

Interior clean up started by volunteers.
Avro 504K

This aircraft is currently being restored. Click here for more information about the aircraft.