The American Air Museum in Duxford, located at the Imperial War Museum Duxford in Cambridgeshire, England, houses an impressive collection of American military aircraft. This museum is dedicated to showcasing the history of American air power, particularly focusing on aircraft from World War II through the Cold War and beyond. The following is a list of aircraft on display at the American Air Museum in Duxford:
World War II Aircraft
- Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress: A legendary heavy bomber used extensively during World War II.
- Consolidated B-24 Liberator: Another major American heavy bomber of World War II.
- Republic P-47 Thunderbolt: A robust fighter-bomber that served in both the European and Pacific theaters.
- North American P-51 Mustang: One of the most famous fighters of World War II, known for its long range and effectiveness as a bomber escort.
- Douglas C-47 Skytrain: A military transport aircraft crucial to Allied operations, including the D-Day landings.
Post-World War II / Cold War Aircraft
- Boeing B-29 Superfortress: A significant World War II bomber, famous for its role in the Pacific Theater and the atomic bombings.
- North American F-86 Sabre: A jet fighter that saw extensive service during the Korean War.
- Lockheed U-2: A high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft that played a critical role during the Cold War.
- Convair F-102 Delta Dagger: An interceptor aircraft used during the early Cold War period.
- Boeing B-52 Stratofortress: A long-range strategic bomber still in service today, originally introduced during the Cold War.
Vietnam War and Beyond
- McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II: A versatile and powerful fighter-bomber used extensively during the Vietnam War.
- Bell UH-1 Iroquois (Huey): An iconic utility helicopter widely recognized for its use during the Vietnam War.
- Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird: A high-speed, high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft, renowned for its speed and stealth capabilities.
Modern Aircraft
- Grumman EA-6B Prowler: An electronic warfare aircraft used to jam enemy radar and communications.
- McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle: A highly capable air superiority fighter introduced in the 1970s and still in use.
- General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon: A multi-role fighter known for its agility and versatility.
- Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II: A modern stealth multirole fighter designed for the latest generation of warfare.
Special and Unique Displays
- Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II: Known as the “Warthog,” this aircraft is specialized for close air support.
- Lockheed C-130 Hercules: A versatile transport aircraft used for a variety of missions, including cargo and troop transport, medical evacuation, and more.
- Boeing CH-47 Chinook: A heavy-lift helicopter used for troop movement, artillery emplacement, and battlefield resupply.
Historical and Experimental Aircraft
- Curtiss P-40 Warhawk: Known for its service with the “Flying Tigers” in China during World War II.
- Bell P-39 Airacobra: A unique fighter with an unusual mid-engine configuration, used in various roles during World War II.
- Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit (model): A display model of the advanced stealth bomber used by the U.S. Air Force.
This list includes a mix of iconic, historically significant, and technologically advanced aircraft that showcase the evolution and capabilities of American air power over the decades. The American Air Museum in Duxford is a testament to the rich aviation heritage and the significant contributions of American aircraft to global military history.