Western Museum of Flight

Our November newsletter has reached cruising altitude - click the link for your monthly dose of SoCal aviation awesomeness! A big thank you to our contributors this month. If YOU have a story to tell from your career or experience with our region's unique aviation heritage feel free to send us a message. We can help you present your story to our amazing community. https://conta.cc/34QLHq0

A huge thank you to all our veterans on this special day. May you be lifted up on the spirits of a grateful nation. Image: U.S. Department of Defense (DoD)

Museum Director Cindy Macha has been acknowledged for her long-time contributions to yet another aerospace-oriented organization. The Grampaw Pettibone Squadron of the Association of Naval Aviation has recognized Cindy for her work as Operations Officer for the past several years. In this role she has ensured that each meeting of this professional council provides an interesting and informative insight into a significant technological or historical feature of importance to the mission of the organization.

How do you quiet a Sonic Boom? By law it is illegal for aircraft to break the sound barrier over the United States (and most of Europe too). There are only certain flight corridors over lightly populated areas where this is possible. This was a great question posed and funded by DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency), with Northrop Grumman holding the contract for researching and testing the hypothesis. Using an F-5 aircraft with a modified forward section (called the F-5E Shaped Sonic Boom Demonstrator) this project ran from 2001-2004. In the 9th episode of our Private Tours series, Northrop test pilot Roy Martin gives a fascinating insight into how this happened and what the project accomplished. Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZhQ_dT0ZwA Image: NASA

In our latest edition of 'Archive Extra', Neil White tells of his service in the Air Force as an Engine Specialist, and his 4 years working with the Douglas C-124 Globemaster II. His affection for this aircraft took him across the world serving with 28th Logistic Support Squadron. https://bit.ly/33XCNH6

It's that time again! The October edition of our newsletter 'The Supercruiser' is available to download now. Well worth a read if you ask us and there are some multimedia links within to learn more about your favorite subject. If you fancy becoming a contributor with a story of your own to share that ties in with our amazing SoCal aviation heritage landscape then send us a message. Don't forget to sign up at the top of the newsletter page if you would like to be included on our monthly mailing and occasional special emailings. https://conta.cc/3ipkleg

Elevons, actuators and flaperons - if you are curious to learn more then you will enjoy our 8th episode from the museum, where Northrop test pilot Roy Martin discusses some of the innovations that made the YF-23 such a unique and versatile aircraft. https://bit.ly/3cx7nK3

Have you read our September newsletter? Sign up to receive our now monthly newsletter direct to your inbox and also learn about current happenings at the museum through the link below. We may not be open to the public in person just now but our work continues to bring you the best of SoCal aviation heritage - past, present and future: https://conta.cc/2GiqLOY

This is our awesome Women in Aerospace exhibit team! These peeps are working hard to bring you a great new exhibition and space that celebrates the achievements of our sisters in this dramatic industry. We can't wait for you to see it!

30 years ago on August 27th, the Northrop YF-23 prototype made its first flight piloted by Paul Metz. During his career, Fred Peitzman was responsible for load testing the prototype YF-23 aircraft in order that it could be signed off for this flight. The aircraft that was tested is the very same aircraft that we have in our collection at the museum. Last month Fred wrote us a fascinating account of how that happened, and the anxious wait as the load test ramped up to flight conditions and beyond. Read more in the latest edition of Archive Extra: https://bit.ly/3jNvMgO

What is Pilot Recovery? In our 7th Private Tour segment, Northrop Grumman engineer Ron Gibb talks us through the history and several generations of aircraft ejection seats - 5 of which we have at the museum. Beginning with the early years of the Martin Baker company, and the pioneering invention that has saved thousands of aircrew lives around the world. We are so grateful to Ron for sharing his knowledge with us! https://youtu.be/XQh_bTovsfw

The August edition of our newsletter 'The Supercruiser' is available to download now - for all you aviation enthusiasts out there! This month you can learn about proof load testing of our beloved YF-23 aircraft during its development. Find out more about our new restoration manager, as well as access the amazing YouTube presentations given by our volunteer docents. If you want to have regular updates delivered right to your email inbox feel free to sign up for the newsletter and we'll make sure you receive a copy every month (the sign up link is right at the top of the newsletter page): https://conta.cc/2PiXQf3

Earlier this month Lt. Madeline Swegle became the US Navy's first female African American Tactical Strike pilot. She will receive her Wings of Gold officially in a ceremony on July 31st. Swegle can now move from the T-45 Goshawk to strike jets such as the F/A-18 Hornet and F-35. We wish her many safe and successful flights and salute her service to our nation. Photos: U.S. Navy

In his earliest years as an engineer at North American Aviation, Jack Trost was asked to assess the performance characteristics of the Sabreliner prototype, while working to shape the final design for optimum performance. His fascinating account is the subject of the latest edition of 'Archive Extra', where he describes the actions taken to finalize this utility aircraft that was based on the F-86 Sabre. https://wmof.com/F-86%20&%20Sabreliner.pdf

In the 6th installment of our private tours at the museum, docent Roy Martin discusses the QF-86 - a variant of the F-86 Sabre purchased by the US Navy for conversion for flight as a Drone target in naval aviation. We're absolutely delighted to have Roy's insight as one of the original test pilots for the plane in this configuration. https://bit.ly/32wEr1X

Fred Peitzman, one of our longest serving docents, offers a great segment here about some of the history behind wind tunnel testing in aviation. Thank you for your amazing contributions Fred! https://bit.ly/2Oi6Z6X

On this day in 1940, test pilot Vance Breeze took to the air in the Northrop N-1M Flying Wing as it departed on its first flight. The N-1M was a breakthrough proof of concept for Jack Northrop, who had been pursuing the idea of a flying wing since the late 1920's. With some other stops along the way, such as the YB-49, Jack's design paved the way for the ultimate flying wing: The B-2 Stealth Bomber.