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  • Model 299 Press Release

    IMMEDIATE RELEASE BOEING TEST BOMBER, MODEL 299 Hailed as the fastest and longest range bomber ever built, a giant four-engined all-metal airplane, today was brought to light by the Boeing Aircraft Company of Seattle after more than a year of work on the project. Known merely as the Boeing 299, the

  • Cat and Mouse

    As the Wild Weasels steadily acquired better equipment and honed their tactics, the enemy SAM crews constantly made changes to counter them. For instance, to avoid being tracked by Wild Weasels, they launched SAMs without guidance radar at American aircraft, only turning on the guidance when the

  • Baldwin Dirigible: U.S. Army's First Airship

    The first powered aircraft ordered by the Aeronautical Division was not an airplane, but rather a dirigible designed by Thomas Scott Baldwin. The Signal Corps had long urged the U.S. Army to buy a dirigible, and many European armies had them by the turn of the century.After seeing Baldwin

  • Military Ballooning: The American Civil War

    The UnionMilitary ballooning in the United States began early in the Civil War. Balloons gave the Union the ability to view enemy troops from the "high ground" during a battle. Best known of the "aeronauts" was Thaddeus S.C. Lowe. He and others made numerous observations using hydrogen-filled

  • Ballooning: First in the Air

    Balloons became the first air vehicles. The golden age of ballooning that began in the 1780s captured the public's fancy and offered thrills and amusements -- as well as an incentive and a means for further scientific investigation of the principles of flight.In September 1783, Joseph and Etienne

  • WWII Flying Clothing

    During World War II, there was no prescribed flying uniform that AAF aircrewmen were required to wear. In the Southwest Pacific, some flew combat in summer-season shirts and trousers while others wore lightweight flying suits. In Europe during the winter, aircrewmen wore the warmest clothing they

  • Santa Claus Sleigh - S.C. Mk II

    Aircraft of the Week - Special EditionThe Santa Claus sleigh was the first known aircraft to utilize multiple hoofed animals to propel itself through the air. This sleigh was designed, built and flown by pioneer aviator and generous elf, Mr. Santa Claus of Peoria, Illinois, who had a life long wish

  • Air Service Enlisted Man

    This uniform is that of a sergeant of the 2nd Air Service Mechanician Regiment (mechanics). The sleeve insignia includes a red chevron indicating that the man has been discharged from the Army and two service chevrons, each representing six months service overseas. Items were donated by Mrs. Francis

  • Air Service Aviator

    This mannequin is wear a regulation-type flying helmet, gloves and leather aviator coat. In cold weather or when flying a mission at high altitude, aviators often wore a heavy one-piece, fur-lined flying suit and insulated boots. Items were donated by Mr. Merle R. Hustad, Fort Wayne, Ind. (helmet

  • 1st Fighter Group

    1st Oldest fighter organization in the United States Air Force. 1st Pursuit Group - May 1918 1st Fighter Group - May 1941 1st Tactical Fighter Wing - October 1970 Squadrons 17th - 1917 to 1940 27th - 1917 to Present 71st - 1941 to Present 94th - 1917 to Present 95th - 1917 to 1927 185th - 1918 to