One of the galleries in the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio looks at the development of aviation during the early years of aviation (generally the years prior to World War I). Shown below is some of the aircraft memorabilia associated with the early years.
According to the display:
“During the 1910-11 period, the Signal Corps had so few airplanes that it adopted a policy of granting its pilots necessary leave from duty to fly manufacturers’ airplanes at civilian flying meets. At one meet sponsored by the Aero Club of America on Sep. 26, 1911 at the Nassau Boulevard Aerodrome on Long Island, Lt. Thomas DeWitt Milling set a world endurance record of 1 hr, 54 min, 442.6 sec with two passengers, for which he was awarded the trophy on display.”
1909 Newspaper Cartoons
According to the display:
“Newspaper cartoons of 1909 which were published to scathe Congress for not providing funds to the army for the purchase of aeroplanes and airships.”
McCook Field Wind Tunnel
According to the Museum:
This wind tunnel was designed and built at McCook Field, Ohio, in 1918. Using a 24-blade fan of 60 inches diameter, the tunnel developed a maximum air speed of 453 mph at its 14-inch diameter choke-throat test area.
It was used for calibrating airspeed instruments and testing airfoils. The item to be evaluated was placed in the choke-throat and viewed through the glass door. During operation, the air was drawn into the small end of the tunnel and exhausted from the large end where the fan was located.
Engines
Model Planes
Historic Photos
More Air Force Museum exhibits
Air Force Museum: Historic photos in the Early Years Gallery (photo diary)
Air Force Museum: Early aircraft engines (photo diary)
Air Force Museum: World War I memorabilia (photo diary)
Air Force Museum: Flight clothing (photo diary)
Air Force Museum: Aviator jackets (photo diary)
Air Force Museum: World War II flight jackets (photo diary)
Air Force Museum: Airmen in a World at War (photo diary)
Air Force Museum: Korean War Memorabilia (photo diary)