The Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center is located near Dulles Airport, just outside Washington D.C.
Just like its more famous cousin located downtown along the Washington D.C. Mall, the Udvar-Hazy center houses an incredible collection of aviation artifacts, including an SR-71 Blackbird, the Space Shuttle Enterprise (the one used for in-atmosphere flight testing), an Air France Concord, and you can even see the Enola Gay – the bomber that dropped the first atomic bomb.
There are literally hundreds of aircraft of all sorts on display – ranging in size from ultralights to airliners, and in time from the dawn of flight to prototypes paving the way for tomorrow.
As an aviation buff (and licensed pilot), I was like a kid in a candy store. I spent hours running around from plane to plane, and I thoroughly enjoyed the free docent guided tour.
You can also go up into the old Dulles control tower for an exhibit on air traffic control systems, and for an unparalleled view of airplanes taking off and landing at Dulles.
Check out this video featuring some highlights:
You know, I could kick myself. I lived right next to DC for more than 4 years, went to the symthsonian air and space at least a dozen times, and I love it to death. BUT I DIDN’T KNOW THEY HAD A SECOND BRANCH!!!!
I’m definately going to check it out when I visit my parents next time. At least now I’m close to the EAA Museum at Osh Kosh, WI. It’s almost as good.
Oooh – I’d love to see the EAA Museum!
I’d love to fly to Osh Kosh someday too for the big fly-in. It is like Mecca, every pilot must go at least once in their life. 🙂
BTW – One thing I loved about the Udvar-Hazy was how many experimental and even homebuilt planes they had on display. They didn’t ignore that branch of aviation at all.