National Museum of the United States Air Force™

Image of the Air Force wings with the museum name underneath

Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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1) This “Camel” was flown during World War I. The British Sopwith Camel F.1 shot down more enemy aircraft than any other WWI fighter. It also was made popular as the aircraft Snoopy flew in the “Peanuts” comic. (U.S. Air Force photo) [Note: To move to the next image, use the arrows above the photo]

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2) Curtiss built a long series of fighter aircraft carrying the name “Hawk.” This one is the P-6E on display in the museum’s Early Years Gallery. This aircraft has another animal visible on the side – the great snow owl was the insignia of the 17th Aero Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo) [Note: To move to the next image, use the arrows above the photo]

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3) One of the most active messenger pigeons in the Army, “John Silver” was wounded in battle. A bullet had torn his breast, bits of shrapnel ripped his tiny body, and his right leg was missing, but the message tube, intact, was hanging by the ligaments of the torn leg. “Stumpy John” is on display in the museum’s Early Years Gallery. (U.S. Air Force photo) [Note: To move to the next image, use the arrows above the photo]

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4) Much like an owl in flight, the Curtiss O-52 Owl was built for observation duties. (U.S. Air Force photo) [Note: To move to the next image, use the arrows above the photo]

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5) Moths might be seen as a nuisance, but the De Havilland DH 82 Tiger Moth was quite popular. During World War II, most Royal Air Force pilots trained in Tiger Moths, including Americans who flew with the Eagle Squadrons before the U.S. entered the war. It is one of a number of models of light aircraft named for moths, in recognition of designer Geoffrey de Havilland’s interest in moths and butterflies. (U.S. Air Force photo) [Note: To move to the next image, use the arrows above the photo]

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6) The museum’s P-40 has a couple of animal references. Named the Warhawk, the aircraft has a shark mouth. In addition, the insignia painted on the side depicts a tiger – P-40s served with the famed Flying Tigers in China in 1942. (U.S. Air Force photo) [Note: To move to the next image, use the arrows above the photo]

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7) One of the P-47s in the museum’s World War II Gallery has a pink elephant painted near the propeller. The elephant was a reference to the Disney film “Dumbo,” which was in released in 1941. (Photo courtesy of Paul Gabura) [Note: To move to the next image, use the arrows above the photo]

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8) Although named after an irritating insect, the British DH 98 Mosquito was quite famous and used extensively during World War II. In the museum’s exhibit, the “Mossie” is being painted with D-Day invasion stripes. (U.S. Air Force photo) [Note: To move to the next image, use the arrows above the photo]

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9) Mustangs are known as free-ranging horses in the American West. The P-51 Mustang was among the best and most well-known fighters in history, serving in nearly every combat zone during WWII, and later during in the Korean War. (U.S. Air Force photo) [Note: To move to the next image, use the arrows above the photo]

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10) The Cessna UC-78 Bobcat was used as a light transport aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo) [Note: To move to the next image, use the arrows above the photo]

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11) Named the Dragonfly, the Sikorsky H-5 gained its greatest fame during the Korean War when it was called upon repeatedly to rescue United Nations pilots shot down behind enemy lines and to evacuate wounded personnel from frontline areas. (U.S. Air Force photo) [Note: To move to the next image, use the arrows above the photo]

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12) A bird dog tracks the scent of animals. Likewise, the O-1 Bird Dog was used for such tasks as artillery spotting, front-line communications, medical evacuation and pilot training. (U.S. Air Force photo) [Note: To move to the next image, use the arrows above the photo]

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13) The De Havilland C-7 Caribou was used primarily for tactical airlift missions from short, unimproved airstrips in forward battle areas during the Southeast Asia War. (U.S. Air Force photo) [Note: To move to the next image, use the arrows above the photo]

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14) Aardvarks are known as burrowing, nocturnal animals. The F-111 Aardvark had swept wings and could also fly at very low level and hit targets in bad weather. (U.S. Air Force photo) [Note: To move to the next image, use the arrows above the photo]

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15) The F-22 Raptor, named for the bird of prey known for its keen vision, is the world’s first stealthy air dominance fighter. (U.S. Air Force photo) [Note: To move to the next image, use the arrows above the photo]

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16) “Vittles” the dog flew 131 missions with his owner, 1st Lt. Russ Steber, during the Berlin Airlift. Gen. Curtis LeMay named the dog and ordered the parachute made for him. Vittles, a boxer, accumulated around 2,000 flying hours but never had to use the parachute. (U.S. Air Force photo) [Note: To move to the next image, use the arrows above the photo]

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17) Named for the predatory scorpion, the F-89 could locate, intercept and destroy enemy aircraft by day or night under all types of weather conditions. (U.S. Air Force photo) [Note: To move to the next image, use the arrows above the photo]

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18) The Grumman OA-12 Duck was used by the U.S. Air Forces’ Air Rescue Service for overwater missions. (U.S. Air Force photo) [Note: To move to the next image, use the arrows above the photo]

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19) Unofficially known as the “Blackbird,” the SR-71 is one of the most well-known Air Force aircraft. Throughout its nearly 24-year career, the SR-71 remained the world’s fastest and highest-flying operational aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo) [Note: To move to the next image, use the arrows above the photo]

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20) The majestic eagle has long been recognized as a symbol of the United States. The F-15 is a twin-engine, high-performance, all-weather air superiority fighter, known for its great acceleration and maneuverability. (U.S. Air Force photo) [Note: To move to the next image, use the arrows above the photo]

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21) Falcons are some of the fastest moving creatures on earth. In addition to its role as a fighter aircraft, the F-16 Fighting Falcon is used by the USAF Thunderbirds during their air shows. (U.S. Air Force photo) [Note: To move to the next image, use the arrows above the photo]

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21 'animals' you'll meet at the museum

Published Oct. 1, 2014

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
- Box cutters
- Food and Soda Drinks
- Alcohol
- Coolers

* 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
- Diaper bags
- 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.
Visitor Photography Notice
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.