Adapted from the A-6 Intruder, the EA-6B Prowler was developed during the Vietnam War in response to a requirement to provide electronic countermeasures against more sophisticated radar-guided enemy anti-aircraft defenses. From strikes against Libya through Operations Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom the EA-6B ensured survivability of strike aircraft. The museum’s example logged 6,000 … EA-6B Prowler
Derived from the highly successful Bell 206 civilian helicopter, the TH-57 Sea Ranger served as the Navy’s primary rotary-wing training platform for nearly six decades, during which time it trained nearly 34,000 Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard helicopter pilots. The museum’s example, Bureau Number 162688, is a TH-57C variant and made the last Naval … TH-57C Sea Ranger
During the Korean War, the Navy developed a version of the Air Force F-86 Sabre that swept the skies of enemy MiG-15s during the Korean War. Based on the experience of the first variants (FJ-2/3), North American made significant design change that resulted in the FJ-4, which first flew in 1954. Operationally, it was flown … FJ-4 Fury
The museum’s F4U-1 is a rare “Birdcage” Corsair, its cockpit canopy featuring framed panels rather than the bubble canopies of later versions. It saw limited service before crashing into Lake Michigan during carrier qualification on June 12, 1943. Vought engineer Rex Beisel designed the Corsair around a powerful Pratt & Whitney R-2800 engine, the propeller … F4U-1 Corsair
Originally designed as a short-range interceptor and eventually becoming a multi-role fighter, the F3H Demon initially suffered from engine problems that resulted in a number of accidents. An improved engine enabled a production run of 516 aircraft. The F3H helped spawn its more successful successor, the F4H/F-4 Phantom II, which was in part derived from … F3H-2M Demon
The Korean War exhibit includes a display of vintage artifacts and a diorama depicting the attempted rescue of ENS Jesse L. Brown, the first African American to complete flight training and become a Naval Aviator, by squadronmate LTJG Thomas Hudner Jr. on December 4, 1950. The action, for which Hudner received the Medal of Honor, … Korean War Exhibit
The MiG-21 (codenamed Fishbed by NATO) was one of the most widely produced fighter aircraft in history. Capable of nearly Mach 2, it was designed as a high-altitude interceptor with an excellent climb rate. In the dogfighting arena, the aircraft’s small size made it difficult to spot and it boasted excellent turning capability. Naval aviators first … MiG-21 Fishbed
The USS Nimitz one-quarter scale replica flight deck highlights features of the modern nuclear-powered aircraft carriers that operate around the world. The island superstructure not only depicts that on board the real ship, but also serves as the ticket counter for the museum’s large screen theater. Nimitz entered service in 1975 as the lead ship … USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Flight Deck
This monument depicts five Naval Aviators from various periods in history gathered together listening to the World War II aviator describe an air combat action. It welcomes visitors to the museum Quarterdeck, which derives its name from the ceremonial point of arrival and departure on board a ship. For visitors this area of the museum … Spirit of Naval Aviation Monument
The museum’s A-1 Triad is one of two replicas of the Navy’s first airplane built to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Naval Aviation in 1961. The name Triad reflected the fact that it could operate from the water using the single float, on land using wheels and in the air. The A-1 was the airplane … A-1 Triad