The history of naval aviation begins in 1910 with the establishment of the Naval Flying School in Eastchurch, United Kingdom. Also in 1910, the French established a naval aviation capability. In the United States, pioneer aviator Glenn Curtiss contracted with the U.S. Navy to demonstrate that airplanes could take off from and land on ships at sea.
In World War II, naval aviation was an important element in the war at sea. During this time, carrier-based aircraft include fighters, dive bombers, and torpedo bombers. During this time, the aircraft carrier replaced the battleship as the most powerful naval weapon.
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 naval aircraft which are on display.
TBM-3 Avenger
This Naval aircraft is a carrier-based torpedo bomber. It has a maximum speed of 247 mph and a cruising range of 1,010 miles. It carried a crew of three: pilot, gunner, radio operator.
This aircraft first flew in 1941 and went into production in 1942. Nearly 10,000 were built. It first saw action in the Battle of Midway.
The TBM designation indicates that the aircraft was built by General Motors.
Gruman F7F-3 Tigercat
The Gruman F7F-3 first flew in 1943 and went into production in 1944. It was initially designed for the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps for service on Midway-class aircraft carriers. The Tigercat was produced too late to see action in World War II, but it was used during the Korean War. It was retired in 1954. A total of 364 were produced.
Douglas A-4 Skyhawk
This aircraft was designed for carrier use for the United States Navy. It has a maximum speed of 661-675 mph.
This plane was first flown in 1954 and went into production in 1956. Nearly 3,000 were built.
Vaught F4U-1A Corsair
The Vaught F4U-1A Corsair is a World War II carrier-based fighter-bomber which was used primarily by the U.S. Marine Corps. The prototype for this aircraft first flew in 1940 and went into production in late 1942. A total of 12,571 were built.
In addition to the U.S. Navy and Marines, the Corsair was also used by France, Honduras, New Zealand, Argentina, El Salvador, and the United Kingdom.
The Corsair has a maximum speed of 417 mph and a cruising speed of 182 mph.
This airplane is the oldest airworthy Corsair in the world.
Ryan FR-1 Fireball
The Fireball was the only fighter in operational service to be powered by both piston and jet engines. At the end of World War II, the Navy lost interest in this design and it was retired in 1947 without ever having seen combat.
More Airplanes
Planes of Fame: Japanese Airplanes (Photo Diary)
Planes of Fame: Air Racers (Photo Diary)
Planes of Fame: British Aircraft (Photo Diary)
Yanks Air Museum: Multiple Engine Aircraft (Photo Diary)
Yanks Air Museum: Observation Aircraft (Photo Diary)
Yanks Air Museum: World War II Bombers (Photo Diary)
Museums 101: The Olympic Flight Museum (Photo Diary)
Museums 101: Replica Aircraft (Photo Diary)
Museums 101: The Museum of Flight (Photo Diary)