Convair XP-81

Note: This aircraft is currently in storage.The Convair twin-engine XP-81, tested in 1944-1945, was powered by a conventional turbojet engine and also a turboprop engine in which most of the power was used to turn a propeller rather than being expended as jet thrust. Originally, turboprops offered greater fuel economy than turbojets, but this

CASA 2.111H (Spanish HE-111H)

Note: This aircraft is currently in storage. The CASA 2.111 was a medium bomber derived from the Heinkel He 111 and produced in Spain by Construcciones Aeronauticas SA. Following the Spanish Civil War, the Spanish Air Force received a number of He 111Bs from Germany. However, there was a need for more modern aircraft with increased armament, and

Curtiss A-25A Shrike

Note: This aircraft is currently in storage. The Curtiss A-25 Shrike represented the end of an obsolete concept -- the single-engine, two-seat dive bomber. A modified version of the U.S. Navy's new SB2C Helldiver, the U.S. Army Air Corps ordered 100 A-25s in 1940. Although initial testing revealed some problems, the A-25 went into production, and

Convair SM-65 Atlas

Note: This item is currently in storage.The Strategic Air Command's first Intercontinental Ballistic Missile was the Convair B-65 Atlas (later redesignated SM-65). The Atlas became operational in 1959. Because of the vulnerability of the Atlas while above ground, an underground silo was developed. An elevator raised it to ground-level for

Civil Air Patrol Missing Aircraft Search Patch

Note: This item is currently in storage. This patch was designed for lower sleeve wear. It was first authorized in August 1951 and discontinued in March 1954.Donated by Col. Louisa S. Morse (CAP).Click here to return to the Featured Accessions index.

Civil Defense Fallout Shelter Medical Kit

Note: This item is currently in storage.This kit's contents were found in the attic of the Senate Office Building. The medical kit contains a checklist for the kit, manuals on how to use the kit, containers, boxes, bottle of medicine and medical supplies.Transferred from the United States Historical Office.Click here to return to the Featured

Civic Model German Police Helmet

Note: This item is currently in storage.This helmet has the German police (Deutsch Polizei) and National Socialist Party (Nazi) decals and includes a leather neck cover. The German Police used this type of light-weight helmet during regular duty in hazardous situations.Donated by Ms. Carolyn Brickner.Click here to return to the Featured Accessions

Captured Iraqi Anti-Aircraft Gun (ZPU-2)

Note: This item is currently in storage.This Soviet-built ZPU-2 14.5mm anti-aircraft gun was captured by Allied forces during Operation Desert Storm. It is composed of two KPV 14.5mm heavy machine guns mounted on a two-wheeled carriage for mobility. Each gun is capable of firing 600 rounds per minute. Note the battle damage bullet holes on the

Combat Action Medal: Maj. Steven Raspet

In a ceremony June 2007, Maj. Steven Raspet, a 354th Fighter Squadron A-10 pilot, became the first Airman to have the Combat Action Medal pinned on. This decoration is awarded for performing duties in a combat zone, either on the ground or from the air, and coming under fire or firing upon an enemy. On Jan. 8, 2006, Raspet led a flight of A-10s in

C-17 Globemaster III's First Combat Drop

In four nights beginning March 25, 2003, C-17s airdropped an entire brigade -- nearly 2,000 paratroopers and 400 vehicles -- into northern Iraq. This mission was the first combat personnel airdrop from C-17s, and the 15-ship formation was the largest flown by C-17s up to that time. The crew of the lead aircraft was from the 62nd Airlift Wing, and