National Air and Space Museum

After exams ended, some friends of mine who were graduating and leaving the DC area in a few short weeks really wanted to experience the National Air and Space Museum over by Dulles Airport. They had been to the one located on the National Mall since it is located so close to us, but they really wanted to see the new edition of the Space Shuttle Discovery that was just flown across the country a few weeks earlier to the Dulles location. So, we borrowed my sister's car and drove over there, since you cannot metro over there. You might be able to bus over there or find another way, but I am not sure (I have only every driven there).

The museum is actually called the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center and according to the website was "named in honor of its major donor, and features the large Boeing Aviation Hangar in which aircraft are displayed on three levels. Visitors can walk among aircraft and small artifacts in display cases located on the floor, and view aircraft hanging from the arched ceiling on elevated skywalks. Many engines, helicopters, ultra-lights, and experimental flying machines are on display in a museum setting for the first time. Among the aviation artifacts on display are the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, the fastest jet in the world; the Boeing Dash 80, the prototype of the 707; the Boeing B-29 Superfortress Enola Gay; and the deHavilland Chipmunk aerobatic airplane."

I have been there a few times previously and each time I find it completely fascinating. It is very easy to spend several hours just walking around mesmerized by the beautiful planes and learning about ones you know nothing about. It is quite a large facility as it is actually a full sized aviation hanger, complete with a separate wing for space aircrafts and a restoration area. There is also an IMAX located within, which shows a variety of films related to aircraft and space, including one about NAVY fighter pilots.

If you are in the area, have the transportation, and have a few hours to spend, I would definitely recommend visiting this museum. Here is their website if you want more information: http://airandspace.si.edu/udvarhazy/

For your enjoyment, I have plenty of pictures!

My favorite, the F-14 Tomcat

another view

an old Army medevac hellicopter

the newest edition to the museum, the Space Shuttle Discovery

the restoration area

Feel free to email me with any questions! cbgraf@gwmail.gwu.edu

-Christie