The Planes of Fame Air Museum is located at the Chino, California, airport. The museum was founded in 1957 by Edward T. Maloney with just 10 airplanes. Today the museum has over 150 aircraft, of which more than 50 are flyable. The Mission of Planes of Fame Air Museum is to preserve aviation history, inspire interest in aviation, educate the public, and honor aviation pioneers and veterans. Shown below are some of the German aircraft on display in the museum.
Fokker Dr.1 Dreidecker
This was one of the most famous World War I airplanes. It was associated with the Red Baron, Manfred Von Richthoven and his Flying Circus who said that it “climbed like a monkey and maneuvered like the devil.” A total of 320 of these planes were built between 1917 and 1918. The one on display is a replica.
Fieseler FI 156C Storch
This is a liaison and reconnaissance aircraft. The three-seat Storch (Stork) was first flown in 1936 and was found everywhere that German forces operated.
Horten Ho IV
This is a flying wing glider which was made in 1940.
Focke-Wulf FW 190
This is generally considered Germany’s best World War II fighter. It first flew in 1939 and entered combat in early 1941. It had a top speed of 408 mph and a range of 560 miles.
Messerschmitt Ft109 E1/7
One of the goals of the Planes of Fame Museum is to restore aircraft. The Messerschmitt shown below was built in 1939, was involved in the Battle France and the Battle of Britain. It crashed on a frozen lake and remained on the bottom of the lake until 2003. It is currently schedule for future restoration.
Heinkel He-100D
This single-seat fighter, built in 1940, has a top speed of 416 mph. The aircraft on display in Planes of Fame is a full-sized replica.
Ba 349 Natter
This interceptor is a liquid fuel rocket designed to be launched vertically from the ground to intercept U.S. bombers. The pilot would return to earth by parachute. This is a full-scale wooden mockup.
Heinkel He 178 V1
This was the first jet aircraft. It was developed without official German Government knowledge and was flown for government officials in 1939.
Heinkel He-162-1a Volksjager (Salamander)
This interceptor fighter was manufactured in 1940 and had a maximum speed of 522 mph and a range of 410 miles. A total of 116 of these were built and more than 800 were in various stages of assembly when the underground production centers were overrun.
Messerschmitt Me 163B Komet
Built in 1941, this jet interceptor had a top speed of 596 mph. It has a liquid rocket engine and can fly for 7 minutes and 30 seconds.
More Airplane Museums
Planes of Fame: Soviet Aircraft (Photo Diary)
Planes of Fame: P-38 Lightning (Photo Diary)
Yanks Air Museum: Military Jets (Photo Diary)
Yanks Air Museum: Biplanes (Photo Diary)
Pre-World War II Aircraft (Photo Diary)
Museums 101: Experimental Aircraft (Photo Diary)
Museums 101: The Museum of Flight (Photo Diary)
Museums 101: World War II Airplanes (Photo Diary)