The newly refurbished F-117 Nighthawk Stealth Bomber will be unveiled at the Palm Springs Air Museum on Saturday, November 12, 2022 at 1 PM. There will be a special ceremony to debut the aircraft on permanent loan from the United States Air Force.
Special Guest of Honor Maj Gen Greg “Beast” Feest (USAF, Ret) will be introduced. Feest was the first pilot to fly combat missions in the F-117 during Operation Desert Storm and Panama. The Aircraft will bear his name and be in the colors of the U.S. Air Force 415th Tactical Fighter Squadron which was based at the Top-Secret Tonopah Test Range in Nevada. Museum Vice Chairman Fred Bell will make a brief statement about the importance of this aircraft to education in the fields of Science of Technology.
Other activities during the day include Flight Exhibitions, Birthday Cake, Heat Wave Jazz Band, and Food Vendors. https://bit.ly/3DWxw3a
Bristol Beaufighter - Warbird Wednesday
Welcome to Warbird Wednesday! Today we are visiting another night fighter, the Bristol Beaufighter. This multi-role aircraft was introduced in 1940 as a heavy fighter, having the ability to carry a torpedo, six machine guns and four cannons! The Beaufighter saw immediate success, leading to 5,928 models built and having 59 total squadrons. This effective aircraft was retired in 1960, leaving some models in museums and others still in various bodies of water throughout the world.
#warbirdwednesday #warbirds #WWII #nightfighter #beaugfighter #bristolbeaufighter #bristolaircraft #palmsprings #palmspringsairmuseum #avlover #heavyfighter #squadron #bomber
B-29 Doc Visiting Palm Springs Air Museum
It has been a pleasure hosting B-29 Doc and crew at the Palm Springs Air Museum these past few days.
It is an incredible sight to see these WWII warbirds fly together. Seen here are two rare aircraft flying together: P-63 Kingcobra & B-29 Doc alongside the P-51 Mustang "Bunny".
Safe travels to our friend's as they continue on to their next stop of the B-29 Doc History Restored Tour.
To see learn about future events and education programs at the air museum, visit: https://palmspringsairmuseum.org/programs/
Donations to support the Palm Springs Air Museum can be made by visiting: https://palmspringsairmuseum.org/product/donation/
Warbird Wednesday - Boulton Paul Defiant
Welcome to Warbird Wednesday! Today we are visiting our third night fighter, the British built Boulton Paul Defiant. With its first flight in 1937, the Defiant was best at approaching and attacking other aircrafts from underneath. Their success during the night was obvious, as they would be able to sneak up without the enemies knowledge, leading to 1,064 models being built. They eventually were replaced, as there were numerous deaths and accidents. They went on to be used in gunnery training, target towing, electronic countermeasures and sea-air rescue, being completely retired in 1945.
#warbirds #palmspringsairmuseum #WWII #nightfighter #warbirdwednesday #palmsprings #boultonpauldefiant #defiant
Palm Springs Air Museum fighters escort B-29 Doc
Welcome to Palm Springs B-29 Doc 🌴!
B-29 Doc will be here at our museum for the next few days. Flight Experience rides will be available on September 27th and 28th at 9 and 11 a.m., followed by ground and flight deck tours from 12 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
A few tickets are still available for #B29Doc rides. Book here: http://b29doc.com/rides
Museum admission can be bought at https://palmspringsairmuseum.org/visit/admission/
Returning to Palm Springs Air Museum from the Reno Air Races
Returning this past Monday from the Reno Air Races 2022 to the Palm Springs Air Museum. The P-51 Mustang "Man O' War" and the P-63 Kingcobra "Pretty Polly". I was in the P-51 Mustang "Bunny". All three raced at Reno.
The Palm Springs Air Museum at the Reno Air Races 2022
Returning from a race heat yesterday, the P-51 Mustang “Man O’ War", the P-63 Kingcobra "Pretty Polly" and the P-51 Mustang "Bunny". Reno Air Racing Association
Reno Air Races from P-51 Mustang Cockpit
More action from Reno Air Racing Association. Race heat start yesterday at the Reno Air Races from the cockpit of the P-51 Mustang Man O' War Mustang
Welcome to Warbird Wednesday! Today we are completing our series on strategic bombers with the newest build, the Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider. This newer, smaller and more efficient long-range strike bomber will be taking the place of the B-2. The B-21 Raider will be prepared to put up a tough defense and deliver precision strikes anywhere in the world. The specs are still classified, but we know that the B-21 will fly about 600 to 1,000 mph with a range of about 10,000 miles. They are currently planning to build 80 to 100 of these aircrafts.
#warbirdlovers #warbirds #warbirdwednesday #palmsprings #palmspringsairmuseum #strategicbomber #northropgrumman #b21raider #usaf #fighterjet
Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider - Warbird Wednesday
Welcome to Warbird Wednesday! Today we are completing our series on strategic bombers with the newest build, the Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider. This newer, smaller and more efficient long-range strike bomber will be taking the place of the B-2. The B-21 Raider will be prepared to put up a tough defense and deliver precision strikes anywhere in the world. The specs are still classified, but we know that the B-21 will fly about 600 to 1,000 mph with a range of about 10,000 miles. They are currently planning to build 80 to 100 of these aircrafts.
#palmspringsairmuseum #warbirds #warbirdwednesday #palmsprings #NorthropGrumman #b21raider #strategicbomber #bomberjet #avlover
Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit - Warbird Wednesday
Welcome to Warbird Wednesday! Today we are visiting an intriguing heavy strategic bomber, the Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit, also known as the Stealth Bomber. The B-2 is a flying wing design with only a crew of two. Designed during the Cold War, this subsonic bomber was built to deploy conventional and thermonuclear weapons, including eighty 500-pound guided bombs or sixteen 2,400-pound nuclear bombs. Due to the cost of maintaining and flying the Stealth Bomber, there were only 21 aircrafts built and they are not used as often.
#warbirds #warbirdwednesday #palmspringsairmuseum #avlover #stealthbomber #b2spirit #northropgrumman #grumman #nuclearweapon #bomberjet
HAPPY NATIONAL AVIATION DAY! ✈️ 🛫 🛬 🛩️ 💺
National Aviation Day is a United States national observation that celebrates the development of aviation. The holiday was established in 1939 by Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who issued a presidential proclamation which designated the anniversary of Orville Wright's birthday to be #NationalAviationDay.
Come visit our museum and see the iconic aviation heroes of WWII, in addition to the many other aircrafts in our collection. Our air-conditioned hangars have no ropes to keep you from interacting with our exhibits. https://bit.ly/3oGD22x
Boeing B-52 Stratofortress - Warbird Wednesday
Welcome to Warbird Wednesday! Today we are visiting an aircraft that is still in use today, the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress. This subsonic, jet-powered strategic/nuclear bomber was first produced in 1952 and was just approved to continue to fly until 2050. Some key features that make this aircraft stand out are its ability to carry 70,000 pounds of ordinance, its combat range of 8,800 miles without aerial refueling at a maximum speed of 650 miles per hour. The B-52 proved lethal to group troops and targets as well with conventional bombs & cruise missiles in both the Vietnam and Gulf Wars.
#palmspringsairmuseum #palmsprings #warbirdwednesday #warbirds #boeing #boeingb52stratofortress #usmilitary #bomberaircraft
Boeing B-47 Stratojet - Warbird Wednesday
Welcome to Warbird Wednesday! Today we are switching gears and visiting a nuclear bomber, the Boeing B-47 Stratojet, also known as the Model 450. The sleek-looking B-27 Stratojet showcased newly developed jet propulsion and 35-degree swept wings, which helped with its high speeds. The Model 450 took its first flight in 1947. This jet gained popularity quickly as it was known to fly at a high subsonic speed, could reach high altitude to avoid enemies, and could drop nuclear bombs. This aircraft was retired in 1969 after 2,042 models were built.
#warbirds #warbirdwednesday #boeing #boeingb47stratojet #stratojet #palmspringsairmuseum #usaf
We are heading to the Reno Air Racing Association in September! Check out our lineup of participating vintage warbirds and be sure to cheer us on September 14-18, 2022 at Stead Air Field in Reno, Nevada. If you would like to support our race team, donations can be made at https://bit.ly/3uO69o8
North American X-15 - Warbird Wednesday
Welcome to Warbird Wednesday! Today we are visiting a hypersonic rocket-powered aircraft, the North American X-15. This aircraft was part of the X-plane series and was a complete test bed. Dropping from a B-52, the X-15’s engine put out a total of 57,000 pounds-force of thrust, reaching the highest speed ever recorded, 4,520 miles per hour, or Mach 6.7! The X-15 could reach up to or exceed an altitude of 50 miles, qualifying it as the world’s first operational spaceplane, leading eight pilots to qualify as astronauts. The pilots who flew in this aircraft knew the risk that they were taking when getting in. Sadly, one of 12 pilots did not return. There were only three models built, all retiring by 1968. #warbirdwednesday #warbirds #x15 #palmspringsairmuseum
North American X-15 - Warbird Wednesday
Welcome to Warbird Wednesday! Today we are visiting a hypersonic rocket-powered aircraft, the North American X-15. This aircraft was part of the X-plane series and was a complete test bed. Dropping from a B-52, the X-15’s engine put out a total of 57,000 pounds-force of thrust, reaching the highest speed ever recorded, 4,520 miles per hour, or Mach 6.7! The X-15 could reach up to or exceed an altitude of 50 miles, qualifying it as the world’s first operational spaceplane, leading eight pilots to qualify as astronauts. The pilots who flew in this aircraft knew the risk that they were taking when getting in. Sadly, one of 12 pilots did not return. There were only three models built, all retiring by 1968. #warbirdwednesday #warbirds #x15 #palmspringsairmuseum
North American X-15 - Warbird Wednesday
Welcome to Warbird Wednesday! Today we are visiting a hypersonic rocket-powered aircraft, the North American X-15. This aircraft was part of the X-plane series and was a complete test bed. Dropping from a B-52, the X-15’s engine put out a total of 57,000 pounds-force of thrust, reaching the highest speed ever recorded, 4,520 miles per hour, or Mach 6.7! The X-15 could reach up to or exceed an altitude of 50 miles, qualifying it as the world’s first operational spaceplane, leading eight pilots to qualify as astronauts. The pilots who flew in this aircraft knew the risk that they were taking when getting in. Sadly, one of 12 pilots did not return. There were only three models built, all retiring by 1968. #warbirdwednesday #warbirds #x15 #palmspringsairmuseum
Get up close to an F-117 in our newest hangar, the Jim Houston Pavilion. We are open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. #palmsprings #airmuseum #avgeek #planes #aviationphotography #airplane #aviationlovers #aircraft #aviation #stealthfighter
Celebrate Fourth of July all weekend at Palm Springs Air Museum
Come celebrate #4thofJuly weekend at the Palm Springs Air Museum 🇺🇸. We are open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM.
• FREE Veteran Admission (with military ID or DD214) on July 2nd, 3rd, & 4th
• FREE Active Military Families Admission (with valid military ID)
• FREE Kids Admission (for kids 12 & under with paying adult)
• FREE Model Airplane Workshop July 2nd, 10am-1pm with Coachella Valley Radio Control Club
• Onsite Blood Drive - July 1st & 2nd, 10am-3pm
https://palmspringsairmuseum.org
SR-72 Darkstar - Warbird Wednesday
Welcome to Warbird Wednesday! Today we’re visiting the Lockheed Martin concept plane SR-72 used in "Top Gun: Maverick" as Darkstar. The SR-72 is a successor of the retired SR-71 Blackbird and is a Hypersonic optionally manned aircraft with the purpose of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. Lockheed Martin expects that the SR-72, which can reach speeds in excess of Mach 6, could fly by 2025.
We're off to Reno Air Races 2022
We're off to the Reno Air Races in September! If you would like to be part of our race team, you can help us by making a donation at https://igg.me/at/X-z-Z5iwnZM/x/27163616#/
Each year we struggle to make the costs of insurance for the aircraft. Your donations can make a difference and we will provide you some cool merchandise as a thank you! Your participation helps greatly in allowing the Museum to continue its core mission of bringing history and pride to the public it serves.
The Palm Springs Air Museum will race not one, but two renovated P-51 Mustangs: Bunny, which is painted with the Tuskegee Airmen colors, and designations from the P-51 that Lt. Col. Bob Friend flew in World War II during 140 combat missions, and Man O’ War. Racing alongside our Mustang is our P-63 Kingcobra, Pretty Polly.
F-20 Tigershark - Warbird Wednesday
Welcome to Warbird Wednesday! Today we’re visiting what could be considered the best fighter designed but never built, the F-20 Tigershark. Development of the F-20 began in 1975 to combat the latest Soviet fighter aircraft. Evolving from the F-5E Tiger II, the Tigershark was faster, had better avionics, and had capability beyond visual range air-to-air. Three prototypes of the Tigershark were built before the development program was abandoned.
91,000 square ft. climate controlled museum
Take a break from the heat and explore our 91,000 square ft. climate-controlled museum! Kids 12 and under are free with paid adult admission.
EA-18 Growler - Warbird Wednesday
Welcome to Warbird Wednesday! Today we’re joined by two special guests from the Naval Air Weapons Station in China Lake as we visit the EA-18G Growler. The EA-18 Growler is a carrier-based electronic warfare aircraft and one of the newest aircraft in the Navy Fleet. This Airborne Electronic Attack aircraft combines the latest electronic attack technology including jamming pods, communication countermeasures, and satellite communications. Being a derivative of the F-18, this EA-18 Growler retains multi-mission capabilities and can perform a wide range of enemy defense suppression missions.
1952/1956 Chrysler Imperial Parade Phaeton from Petersen Automotive Museum
Head out to Palm Springs to see the 1952/1956 Chrysler Imperial Parade Phaeton from Petersen Automotive Museum up close and in person at our Annual Memorial Day Celebration taking place on May 30th.
This Chrysler Imperial represents the peace that followed in the post-WWII era. Presidents Nixon, Kennedy, Ford, and Eisenhower could all be seen riding in these parade phaetons, and the car given to New York was eventually used in the parade welcoming home the Apollo 11 astronauts from the moon landing.
The 1952/1956 Chrysler Imperial Parade Phaeton it the only one of the original three that is privately owned.
Purchase tickets by visiting https://events.palmspringsairmuseum.org/e/memorial-day-2022
Grumman F-14A Tomcat 'Top Gun' Aircraft
Come see our own "Top Gun" aircraft, the Grumman F-14A Tomcat.
This top-of-the-food-chain Navy fighter set the stage for naval air superiority.
Take a selfie or fun photos with the F-14 Tomcat during your next visit to the air museum.
Northrop YF-23 - Warbird Wednesday
Welcome to Warbird Wednesday! Today we’re visiting an advanced tactical fighter, the Northrop YF-23. In the 1980s, the USAF sent out a request for a proposal for a fighter aircraft to counter the Sukhoi Su-27. Built for survivability, supercruise, stealth and ease of maintenance, the YF-23 was one of two finalists for this proposal. Ultimately, it was not selected and the F-22 Raptor was announced the winner. Around the same time, the Navy was considering the YF-23 to replace F-14 Tomcat. However, the aircraft's large size required them to go with a different design. Two prototypes were built nicknamed “Black Window II” and “Gray Ghost” and are currently museum exhibits.
The Palm Springs Air Museum depends on donations from our supporters. Thanks to our donors, we are able to maintain a world-class collection of warbirds and preserve history for generations to come. To donate, please visit palmspringsairmuseum.org/donate or support us by purchasing a membership at palmspringsairmuseum.org/membership-options/.
Northrop YF-23 - Warbird Wednesday
Welcome to Warbird Wednesday! Today we’re visiting an advanced tactical fighter, the Northrop YF-23. In the 1980s, the USAF sent out a request for a proposal for a fighter aircraft to counter the Sukhoi Su-27. Built for survivability, supercruise, stealth and ease of maintenance, the YF-23 was one of two finalists for this proposal. Ultimately, it was not selected and the F-22 Raptor was announced the winner. Around the same time, the Navy was considering the YF-23 to replace F-14 Tomcat. However, the aircrafts large size required them to go with a different design. Two prototypes were built nicknamed “Black Window II” and “Gray Ghost” and are currently museum exhibits.
The Palm Springs Air Museum depends on donations from our supporters. Thanks to our donors, we are able to maintain a world-class collection of warbirds and preserve history for generations to come. To donate, please visit palmspringsairmuseum.org/donate or support us by purchasing a membership at palmspringsairmuseum.org/membership-options/.
