Beriev Be-12 - Warbird Wednesday Episode #199
Welcome to Warbird Wednesday! Today, we are continuing down the river looking at the Beriev Be-12. This Soviet bloc turboprop flying boat (NATO call sign "Mail") was originally designed for maritime interdiction and anti-submarine roles but later adapted for search and rescue. Introduced in 1960, the Be-12 had a top speed of 330 mph, a significant improvement over earlier flying boats. The aircraft's role evolved over time, including the ability to drop nuclear depth charges, but its life expectancy in a hot war was limited. The Be-12, retired by 2008 with only nine in service, saw a resurgence during the Ukraine-Russia conflict, being reintroduced for maritime patrol against airborne and seaborne threats, particularly drones.
Short Sunderland - Warbird Wednesday Episode #198
Welcome to Warbird Wednesday! Today, we are looking at the Short Sunderland flying boat. The Short Sunderland was a prominent flying boat during World War II, known for its versatility and effectiveness in anti-submarine warfare. The aircraft was first flown in 1937, introduced in 1938, and retired in 1959, with a total of 749 units built during its production from 1938 to 1946. It played a crucial role in anti-submarine missions, achieving one of the first U-boat kills in 1940, and it was also utilized for transport and evacuation purposes with its Bristol Pegasus Mark 22 engines.
Snowtopia 2023
See you tonight from 6-9 PM! Tickets are available at the door! Kids 3 and under get in free🥳
Warbird Rides!
It's not too late! If you are still looking for a Christmas gift idea our Warbird Ride Certificates make a great present for thrill seekers and aviation lovers. Learn more by visiting the link.🎁 https://bit.ly/3GPHEwz
Snowtopia 2023
See you guys tonight! ❄️🎅🏼🎄
Meet Santa Claus and play in 60 tons of real snow during SNOWTOPIA! Now through December 23 from 6 to 9 PM. It’s a Winter Wonderland for the whole family! 🎄
🚂 Ride in a REAL Holiday Train
🎅🏻 Meet and Greet with Santa
❄️ Enjoy 60 tons of snow in a playground outside on the tarmac
✂️ Craft making and fun family activities
🍫 Cook S’Mores over outdoor firepits
😋 Feast on pizza, hot dogs and more from Food Trucks.
📸 Photos galore with Frosty the Snowman, Elves, Mrs. Claus
☕ Hot chocolate and cookies
🎁 Holiday Shopping
Kawanishi H8K - Warbird Wednesday Episode #197
Welcome to Warbird Wednesday! Today, we are looking at the Kawanishi H8K, also known as the Allied code name "Emily." The Kawanishi H8K, or Emily, was a Japanese flying boat introduced in 1942, retired in 1945, and widely regarded as the best flying boat of World War II. The Emily was known for its versatility, excelling in both aggressive attack roles and reconnaissance, with strong defensive armament. The aircraft was also involved in the second raid on Pearl Harbor and various maritime interdiction missions, displaying its agility and effectiveness in different roles.
Snowtopia 2023
Santa is making a grand entrance into Snowtopia! 🎅✨ Not only did he salute the amazing Healthcare workers and donate festive Holiday Turkeys, but now he's landed in Palm Springs with his advanced team of elves. They're all getting ready for an unforgettable 5 days in the valley! 🎉 #Snowtopia
Warbird Rides!
Want to ride in a vintage warbird? Now is your chance to get a Warbird Ride Certificate and take flight! These make a great gift for aviation fans! Visit the link for more information!🎁 https://bit.ly/3GPHEwz
Can any aviation experts ID this cockpit?
🤔
Dornier DO X - Warbird Wednesday Episode #196
Welcome to Warbird Wednesday! Today, we are looking at the Dornier DO X, an interwar flying boat with (According to Fred) a gorgeous Art Deco design, first flown in 1929 and retired in 1937. With only three units built, this extremely rare aircraft was financed by the German Transport Ministry to circumvent the Treaty of Versailles restrictions. It could get up to 150 MPH but only had a 110 MPH cruising speed. The aircraft initially had Bristol Jupiter radial engines but later switched to Curtis 1570 engines for better performance.
Snowtopia 2023
Immerse yourself in the enchantment of SNOWTOPIA from December 19 to December 23, 6 to 9 PM – a Winter Wonderland for the whole family! 🎄 Experience the thrill of a REAL Holiday Train ride, meet and greet with Santa, and delight in 60 tons of real snow at our outdoor playground on the tarmac. Engage in craft making, enjoy family activities, and roast S'Mores over outdoor fire pits. Indulge in a feast of pizza, hot dogs, and more from Food Trucks. Capture memories with Frosty the Snowman, Elves, and Mrs. Claus, and sip on hot chocolate while savoring cookies. Plus, explore holiday shopping opportunities. Don't miss the festive fun at SNOWTOPIA! Visit https://palmspringsairmuseum.org/snowtopia/ to purchase tickets!
Can any aviation experts ID this cockpit?
🤔
Snowtopia 2023
Meet Santa Claus and play in 60 tons of real snow during SNOWTOPIA! December 19 through December 23 from 6 to 9 PM. It’s a Winter Wonderland for the whole family! 🎄
🚂 Ride in a REAL Holiday Train
🎅🏻 Meet and Greet with Santa
❄️ Enjoy 60 tons of snow in a playground outside on the tarmac
✂️ Craft making and fun family activities
🍫 Cook S’Mores over outdoor firepits
😋 Feast on pizza, hot dogs and more from Food Trucks.
📸 Photos galore with Frosty the Snowman, Elves, Mrs. Claus
☕ Hot chocolate and cookies
🎁 Holiday Shopping
📹 Video by Chill Vibes & Slides
PB2Y Coronado - Warbird Wednesday Episode #195
Welcome to Warbird Wednesday! Today, we are looking at the Consolidated PB2Y Coronado. The PB2Y Coronado was a flying boat used for transport, patrol, and light attack during World War II. It cost $300,000 in early 1940, three times the cost of the PBY Catalina, limiting production to 217 units. The aircraft had a range of around 1,800 miles, making it suitable for various roles, including transport and air ambulance. Despite being versatile, the PB2Y Coronado saw little combat, with only five confirmed aircraft kills in its entire World War II career. The entire fleet was scrapped in 1946, except for one preserved at the Navy Museum, known for delivering Admiral Nimitz to Tokyo Harbor for the surrender of Japan.
BV 222 - Warbird Wednesday Episode #194
Welcome to Warbird Wednesday! Today, we are looking at the Blohm & Voss BV 222, a German flying boat designed in 1938, with a 150-foot wingspan, making it the largest German flying boat of World War II. Despite being a military aircraft, the BV 222 initially flew under civilian registration and livery. It first flew in 1940 with radial engines but later switched to diesel engines for extended sea refueling capabilities. The aircraft could carry 92 passengers or 72 stretcher-borne patients, distinguishing it from American flying boats like the Clipper. Only 13 BV 222s were built, and at the end of the war, most were destroyed. An intact example lies in deep water, deemed too challenging to salvage.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving from the Palm Springs Air Museum.🦃 We are grateful for you, our loyal visitors and members! The Museum will be closed today so that our staff, volunteers, and docents can celebrate Thanksgiving with their families.
We will be open from 10 AM to 5 PM tomorrow and all weekend long. We look forward to seeing you then!
Douglas RD-2 Dolphin - Warbird Wednesday Episode #193
Welcome to Warbird Wednesday! Since this is the episode before Thanksgiving we wanted to give a special thanks to all our viewers and all our supporters who have helped us grow our following by leaps and bounds. Thank you to Greg and Kevin for making sure the technical stuff is always tightened up and we hope you all have a blessed Thanksgiving and enjoy it with your family.
Today, we are looking at the Douglas RD-2 Dolphin continuing down sea-plane way. Its first flight was in 1931 and had a small built rate at 58 units. Douglas initially thought this was going to be a "flying yacht" but with the great depression, they quickly realized this aircraft needed to be more versatile in order to market it. So many sub-changes were made that there are too many variants to name. The Dolphin eventually made it into military service when the Coast Guard bought 12 units.
Bunny Returns From DC
Bunny returning from the East Coast. She was met by Man O' War and escorted in. Feels good to be home! 🌴
Props & Hops 2023
Recap of Saturdays 11th annual Props & Hops Craft Beer Festival! The turnout was amazing with about 2,000 attendees aswell as tons of our closest supporters. Thank you to our sponsors, craft beer vendors, docents, and staff. See you all next year!🍻
