In 1940 the Army Air Corps ordered 203 O-52s for observation duties but after the US entry into WWII it was apparent that the Owl lacked the performance necessary for combat operations overseas. As a result, the USAAF relegated the type to internal courier duties and short-range submarine patrols off the US coasts. This example is now on display at the National Museum of the USAF was obtained from the US Federal Reformatory at Chillicothe, OH in 1962 and restored by the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics.

First appearing entering combat in May 1918, the Fokker D. VII quickly showed its superior performance over Allied fighters. With its high rate of climb, higher ceiling and excellent handling characteristics, German pilots scored a remarkable 565 victories over Allied aircraft during the month of August alone. The reproduction aircraft on display at the National Museum of the USAF is painted to represent the Fokker D. VII of Lt. Rudolph Stark, a squadron leader of Jasta 35b in Oct. 1918.

The YPT-16 was a military version of the civilian Ryan STA and became the first monoplane acquired by the Army Air Corps as a primary trainer. This aircraft flew as NC18922 in civilian life but is on display at the National Museum of the USAF as one of the 15 YPT-16 operated by the AAC. They must have been satisfied and this led on to the AAC operating nearly 1,200 more similar Ryan trainers as PT-20s, PT-21s and PT-22s.

This NA-64 served with the RCAF as 3417 but is on display at the National Museum of the USAF in this nice diorama to represent an Army Air Corps Bt-14 involved in a training accident. Note the pilot pleading with the instructor that the fact the brakes were applied too hard... really wasn't his fault!

During WWII, the USAAF accepted 3,144 C-46s (1,410 were C-46Ds) for hauling cargo and personnel and for towing gliders. This C-46D was retired from USAF service in Panama in 1968 and is now on display at the national Museum of the USAF as an aircraft flying the 'Hump', transporting war materials over the Himalayas from India to China after the Japanese had closed the Burma Road.

This is one of 45 examples of the training MXY7-K1 Ohka glider completed. It is equipped with a landing skid and flaps so it could be re-used. It also carried water ballast, which was expelled before landing, in place of explosives and the rocket motor. Now on display at the National Museum of the USAF.

This F-104 is actually 56-0754 and acts as a quasi-gate guardian for the National Museum of the USAF.

This Catalina displays 'Snafu Snatchers' nose art on her starboard side but mission marking are on the port side. Now on display at the National Museum of the USAF.

I love these Mad Dogs! So sad to see them being replaced by boring Boeings and Asceptic Airbusses.

I love these Mad Dogs! I'm really sad to see their replacement everywhere.

This P-12 was delivered to the USAAC in Dec. 1933 and served until a landing accident at Chicago-Midway in May 1940 ended it's flying career. Now beautifully restored and on display at the super National Museum of the USAF.