National Museum of the U.S. Air Force

10/13/2026

General Dynamics F-16A Fighting Falcon

The F-16 on display (S/N 81-0663) was one of the first F-16s to be received by the Thunderbirds in 1982 when they transitioned from T-38s to F-16s. The Thunderbirds continued to fly this aircraft until 1992 when they converted to F-16Cs. It was then modified to operational condition and assigned to the Air Education and Training Command to train pilots at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. In 1996 the Thunderbirds repainted it in Thunderbird colors at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. The museum placed it on display in October 1996.
The F-16 evolved from a 1972 USAF Lightweight Fighter prototype program which sought a small, lightweight, low cost, air superiority day fighter designed for high performance and ease of maintenance. It achieved combat-ready status in October 1980. Many foreign nations, including Belgium, Denmark, Turkey, Egypt and Israel, have purchased the F-16.��TECHNICAL NOTES: �Armament: One 20mm M-61A1 cannon and various combinations of air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles and bombs�Engine: One Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-200 of 23,830 lbs. thrust with afterburner�Crew: One�Maximum speed: 1,345 mph�Cruising speed: 577 mph�Range: 1,407 miles�Ceiling: 55,000 ft.�Span: 32 ft. 10 in.�Length: 49 ft. 6 in.�Height: 16 ft. 5 in.�Weight: 29,896 lbs. loaded

10/12/2026

10/11/2026

The new “Pathways to Space” exhibit is in early stages. Keep checking back for a redesign of the Space and Missile Galleries. Pathways to Space is a proposed transformation of the Museum’s Missile Gallery into an immersive experience exploring the technologies, partnerships, and people behind America’s journey beyond Earth.

10/11/2026

The Boeing NKC-135A Airborne Laser Lab paint refresh is coming along! ✈️🎨 Work continues as the contractor gives this unique aircraft fresh paint. Stay tuned for more progress updates!

10/11/2026

Itazuke Tower
Sign from the control tower at Itazuke Air Base in Japan. Countless Air Force personnel flew combat missions from Itazuke AB during the Korean War. The sign was sent to the museum when the air base was phased out by the USAF in 1971.

Note: The sign is displayed in stabilized, unrestored condition.

10/11/2026

A special thanks to NMUSAF volunteer CMSgt. (Ret.) George Coleman for his incredible craftsmanship on these aircraft wheel chocks! 👏✈️

George has handcrafted more than 50 new wheel chocks featuring unit patches, unique paint schemes and other details designed to match the aircraft they support.

Next time you visit, take a closer look around, how many of George’s custom wheel chocks can you spot throughout the museum?

General Dynamics F-111A Aardvark. The F-111A on display is marked as it appeared in 1972-1973 when assigned to the 474th Tactical Fighter Wing during Linebacker II.

10/10/2026

Mitsubishi A6M2 Zero
This Nakajima-built A6M2 was placed on display in 2004. It was found in Papua New Guinea, near the city of Kavieng on New Ireland, and was probably one of the aircraft delivered to Rabaul and operated at Kavieng by the 6th Kokutai (Squadron) and later by the 253rd Kokutai. It is painted to represent a section leader's aircraft from the aircraft carrier Zuiho during the Battle of the Bismarck Sea, March 1943, in which Allied air power won a major victory over Japanese sea power. American and Australian aircraft sank four Japanese destroyers and 15 troop ships, and shot down more than 50 Zeros, preventing Japanese reinforcements from reaching New Guinea.

10/10/2026

Free guided tours are offered daily and are open to all Museum visitors. Tours are led by trained volunteer guides and last about an hour.
All tours begin at the posted tour signs located near the information desk in each gallery.
Daily Gallery Tour Schedule
10:00 a.m. – Early Years, WWI, and WWII Galleries
11:30 a.m. – Korean War and Southeast Asia War Galleries
1:30 p.m. – Cold War Gallery
3:00 p.m. – Space, Research & Development, Global Reach, and Presidential Galleries
https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit/Groups-and-Tours/