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  • Emergency Rocket Communications System

    As the threat of Soviet nuclear weapons grew in the 1960s, the U.S. Air Force needed a way to ensure that its strategic forces could be controlled after a Soviet attack. The Emergency Rocket Communications System (ERCS) made sure that national and military leaders could send pre-recorded attack

  • Earth Satellites and Space Vehicles

     The Soviet Union sent the world's first man-made earth satellite into orbit in October 1957. Since that time orbiting satellites of many different kinds have become commonplace. The development of U.S. space technology began with the military, with heavy involvement by the USAF. In the mid-1950s,

  • EROS Reflector

    The USAF's Project EROS (Experimental Reflector Orbital Shot) was the first USAF solar reflector experiment in space. Its purpose was to find out if reflectors could be used for collecting and concentrating the sun's heat to generate electricity in space solar power systems. The USAF completed the

  • Early USAF Reconnaissance in Southeast Asia

    The first USAF missions in the Southeast Asia War were reconnaissance flights. These top-secret flights confirmed communist activity in South Vietnam and Laos and led to greater U.S. involvement in Southeast Asia.A camera-equipped C-47 flew the first missions until it was shot down by anti-aircraft

  • Eyes and Ears in the Sky: USAF Reconnaissance in Southeast Asia

    Knowing an enemy's location, activities, intentions and resources has always been important for successful military operations. In the Southeast Asia War, the U.S. Air Force kept a close watch on the enemy and provided critical intelligence through aerial photography and intercepting enemy signals.

  • Early Years, 1961-1964

    At first, the U.S. Air Force trained and equipped the South Vietnamese Air Force (VNAF) with slow, propeller-driven combat aircraft. Flying O-1 Bird Dogs, forward air controllers (FACs) directed airstrikes by T-28s, B-26s and later A-1 Skyraiders.Growing American military involvement increased the

  • Evolution of USAF Flight Clothing

    Note: This exhibit is located in the connecting link between the World War II and Korean War Galleries.Through the years, advances in aircraft performance have increased the need for improved aircrew protection from the weather, a lack of oxygen, intense heat or cold, or even violent maneuvers in

  • Eugene W. Kettering Model Aircraft Collection

    In 1930, Eugene W. Kettering joined General Motors as a research engineer, and he became a leading figure in the in the evolution of the modern diesel locomotive. After nearly 30 years with General Motors, Eugene Kettering retired and he and his wife, Virginia, devoted their energies to a wide range

  • Evolution of the Air Force Song

    Note: This exhibit is located in the hallway between the Early Years and World War II Galleries.In 1938 Liberty magazine sponsored a contest for a spirited, enduring musical composition to become the official Army Air Corps song. Of 757 scores submitted, one written by Mr. Robert Crawford was

  • Exposure Suits for Sea Rescue

    Exposure suits protected downed pilots and other aircrew and passengers from freezing in the icy waters of the Yellow Sea between Korea and Japan. Fighter pilots commonly wore exposure suits while flying, since they would not have time to put one on if they had to eject from a damaged aircraft.