The Yanks Air Museum is located in Chino, California. In 1973, this collection of aircraft began with the acquisition of the Beech Staggerwing and since then the museum has acquired more than 200 aircraft. Many of the aircraft displayed at the museum are one-of-a-kind (usually meaning the last remaining example) and most of them can be flown (notice the dip pans under the airplanes). Shown below are some of the World War II fighter planes which are on display.
SNJ-5 Texan
This advanced trainer was first produced by North American in 1938. It has a top speed of 205 mph, a cruising speed of 170 mph, and a range of 750 miles.
P-51A-10-NA Mustang
First produced in 1939, this fighter was created by North American for the Royal Air Force (RAF) to replace the P-40 Warhawk. It took North American just 117 days to design, build, and fly the airplane. It has a top speed of 390 mph, a cruising speed of 307 mph, and a range of 2,500 miles. A total of 15,686 of these aircraft were built.
P-51D-30 Mustang
This version of the Mustang was first produced in 1941. It has a top speed of 437 mph, a cruising speed of 362 mph, and a range of 2,080 miles. The D model has a new bubble canopy and an engine which improved it high altitude performance.
BT-13B Valiant
This basic trainer was first produced in 1940. The U.S. Army Air Force designated it as BT-13 and the U.S. Navy designated it at SNV-1. This aircraft has a top speed of 166 mph, a cruising speed of 140 mph, and a range of 725 miles.
YP-47M-1 Thunderbolt
Republic Aviation first produced the Thunderbolt in 1941. It has a top speed of 475 mph, a cruising speed of 300 mph, and a range of 530 miles. This was the largest and heaviest single seat fighter in World War II. The plane shown below is the only flying P-47M in the world.
P-47D-40 Thunderbolt
Affectionately named the “Jug” for its large size and durability, the Thunderbolt was a versatile aircraft.
F6F-5 Hellcat
The Hellcat was first produced by Grumman in 1944. It has a top speed of 380 mph, a cruising speed of 196 mph, and a range of 1,040 miles.
FM-2 Wildcat
This carrier-based fighter was first produced in 1942. It has a top speed of 332 mph, a cruising speed of 164 mph, and a range of 1,310 miles. The Wildcat was the first folding-wind carrier-based fighter.
P-39N Airacobra
First produced in 1941, this fighter has a top speed of 386 mph, a cruising speed of 200 mph, and a range of 1,475 miles.
P-63A-7 King Cobra
This fighter was first produced by Bell in 1943. It has a top speed of 410 mph, a cruising speed of 356 mph, and a range of 2,000 miles. The King Cobra was produced and supplied in great numbers to the USSR and France.
More Aircraft Museums
Yanks Air Museum: Helicopters (Photo Diary)
Planes of Fame: Outdoor Displays (Photo Diary)
World War II Aircraft (Photo Diary)
Museums 101: World War II Airplanes (Photo Diary)
