Visit to Air and Space Museum in Washington D.C.

June 22nd - I apologize for not updating my blog as frequently as normal, but I actually have an excuse. After returning home from my Niece's graduation in Manassas, VA, there was a terrible storm that went through Indiana and my home town. Reports I heard indicated winds were gusting between 68 and 90 mph. The winds snapped big trees like they were twigs and sent many of the flying into power lines and homes. At my Nephew's home (where I was staying), they were without power for around 36 hours...but many places didn't expect to get power for up to 2 or 3 days later. Very sad! - - - Anyway, I did have more pictures from my trip to Virginia and the Air and Space Museum. This was my first visit and I strongly recommend it to anyone who likes aircraft and the associated history. - - - While I don't recall ALL the names and types of aircraft, I do remember details about some. Hope you like them.

(Above - F14 Navy Fighter - like in Top Gun)
(Below - X35B Strike Fighter)

Navy F4 Phantom fighter.

Several pictures below are just a sample of many items on display.

These next 2 pictures are unique in the sense that my Brother-in-Law (Bill) works for the Company that built many parts of the vehicle in the background.

These next pictures show some of the space-related vehicles. This first picture is of the Gemini VII capsule that was launched in December of 1965.

As the 2nd picture indicates, this in the Apollo 11 capsule that landed on the moon on July 24th, 1969. (Where has the time gone?!)

The Shuttle "Enterprise" and examples of the engines unsed.

The "Nemisis" is the world's most successful aircraft in racing history. It won 45 of 48 competitions in years of 1991 to 1999, when it was retired.

The 2 pictures below show the SR-71, which I think is one of the most amazing aircraft ever built. I always heard stories about the power developed by the 2 engines and how fuel would leak from the tanks when it was on the ground...because it had to be able to expand when it was flying. I also had a somewhat unique experience when I was in the Air Force as I was chosen (with several other Airmen) to guard the plane while it was on the ground (after an unplanned landing at a base I was stationed at).

I hope you enjoyed the pictures.