The 2022 Aerospace Valley Air Show at Edwards AFB makes a historic return, marking the 75th anniversary of the U.S. Air Force AND the 75th anniversary of breaking the sound barrier by Capt. Charles (Chuck) Yeager.
The Flight Test Historical Foundation is hosting a special reception for the pilots and performers from the Aerospace Valley Air Show and Friends of the Museum Foundation at the Museum after the show on Saturday, Oct. 15 from 4 to 6 p.m. Registration is required and Includes: Private entrance to the museum, light refreshments, and tours. Current Annual Friends and all Lifetime Friends will receive an invitation. If you are not currently a Friend of the museum, you can register at the website. For more information visit https://FlightTestMuseum.org/events/
The Air Force Flight Test Museum is commemorating the 75th anniversary of supersonic flight with a historical exhibit outlining the key moments and lives of the X-1 program. Beginning with some of the early influences that set the stage for the world’s first supersonic flight, visitors will learn more about the unique design and structural elements of the Bell X-1 and what made it a one-of-a-kind rocket plane.
The exhibit will highlight the other pilots who shared in the experience of flying the world’s first supersonic aircraft and the variations that would follow; each playing an important role that would forever shape the future of aviation. Visitors will have a rare opportunity to see the rocket engine that propelled the Bell X-1 to supersonic level flight, and a replica of the instrument panel of the Bell X-1. The exhibit can be viewed in Hangar 1600 during the air show.
Headlining this year’s show will be the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds.
Phase Two has begun and construction of the steel frame is beginning on the Flight Test Museum site. The new museum has just received 346,920 pounds of steel for the construction of the new airplane hangar and exhibition hall. The main goal is to protect and preserve these historical and extremely rare aircraft inside the new structure and away from the damaging outside elements. The hall will house one of the most unique collections of research aircraft in the world and provide a place for the world to see it.
The mission is to preserve, display, and educate the public about the more than 75 years of flight tests, aerospace and technological developments in the Aerospace Valley. The Educational Programs provide online and in-person activities, lessons, and classes on the principles of science, technology, engineering, and math in flight test and aerospace research to expand knowledge, inspire, and motivate future generations using examples of the advancements in aerospace in our collection.
Innovation and exploration are alive and well in the Aerospace Valley. In the past, the pilots and engineers broke the shackles of traditional thinking that held them back from chasing their wild ambition to fly faster, longer, and further than anyone ever had. Today, Blue Origin rocket testing is conducted, the Space Force is testing systems, and NASA is developing a commercial supersonic aircraft with the Skunk-Works. History is being made every day in the Aerospace Valley, and the museum is the place for the world to learn about it.
On Saturday, Nov. 12, the Flight Test Museum Foundation (FTMF) will host its annual Gala, “The Gathering of Eagles”, celebrating 75th Years of Breaking the Barriers over the Antelope Valley and marking its own 40th year of sharing the amazing story of America’s heart of aerospace research at Mojave Air and Space Port, Edwards AFB, NASA Armstrong Research Center, and Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale, and current aerospace industries including SpaceX, Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic.
