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.

Boeing B-17D "The Swoose" restoration photo April 2023. — Boeing B-17D "The Swoose"

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JN-4D Jenny restoration. — Curtiss JN-4D Jenny

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Douglas A-1H Skyraider in Restoration hangar. — Douglas A-1H Skyraider

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Thomas Morse S4C Scout Restoration at the National Museum of the USAF 2020-2021

National Museum of the U.S. Air Force

Video by Ken LaRock

Oct. 27, 2021 | 13:06

Aircraft restoration video and interview with museum restoration specialist Casey Simmons.

The Thomas-Morse Scout became the favorite single-seat training airplane for U.S. pilots during World War I. The Scout first appeared with an order for 100 S4Bs in the summer of 1917. The U.S. Army Air Service later purchased nearly 500 of a slightly modified version, the S4C. Dubbed the "Tommy" by its pilots, the plane had a long and varied career.

Tommies flew at practically every pursuit flying school in the United States during 1918. After the war ended, the Air Service sold them as surplus to civilian flying schools, sportsman pilots and ex-Army fliers. Some were still being used in the mid-1930s for WWI aviation movies filmed in Hollywood.

The Tommy on display was donated to the museum in March 1965 by Capt. R.W. Duff, Miami, Fla., and restored by Aero Mechanics High School, Detroit, Mich. The museum's restoration team spent about two years restoring this aircraft which is now on display in the Early Years Gallery as of Oct. 28, 2021. More

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Thomas Morse S4C Scout Restoration at the National Museum of the USAF 2020-2021

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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 JN-4D Jenny
This aircraft is currently in the restoration hangar. Click here for more information about the aircraft.
Thomas-Morse S4C Scout
This aircraft is currently in the restoration hangar. Click here for more information about the aircraft.

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

Screening at Entrance
All visitors may be screened with a metal detector upon entry. In addition all bags are subject to search and may be placed through an X-Ray machine. Weapons are not permitted including pocket knives and firearms, to include conceal carry and other dangerous weapons.
Prohibited Items
Prohibited Items:
- Firearms*
- Knives
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- Food and Soda Drinks
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* Firearms, to include conceal carry and other dangerous weapons, are specifically prohibited in Federal facilities in accordance with 18 USC §930 (c)

Permitted Items:
- Water bottles (clear, sealed bottle, up to 20 oz.)
- Purses
- Camera bags
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- Strollers
- Service animals

Please note the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force is not responsible for items left in vehicles.
Click here for frequently asked questions regarding items permitted inside the museum.
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Notice: Visitors may be filmed, photographed or recorded by the U.S. Air Force for educational and promotional uses, including for posting on public websites and social media.
Individuals are permitted to take their own photographs or videos while touring the museum.

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