All Stories

Introduced in 1927, the Vega was the first product of designer Jack Northrop and Allan Loughead's Lockheed Aircraft Company. Sturdy, roomy, streamlined and fast, the innovative Vega became favored by pilots seeking to set speed and distance records. 

After 32 years, the gallery will close on December 3 as the Museum embarks on a years-long project to revitalize our infrastructure and transform our exhibitions. What better time to take a look back at the early days of the exhibit and how it came together?

On June 24, 1948, the Soviet Union closed all surface routes into the western zone of Berlin. For 18 months, American and British aircrews flew around-the-clock bringing supplies into Berlin, in a mission called the Berlin Airlift.

The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia, has a new addition: Nemesis NXT, a record-breaking Sport-class air racer.

Do you have what it takes to fly the friendly skies? Becoming a commercial pilot takes time, training, and dedication.

By today’s standards, sending a letter in the mail might seem a little antiquated. But 100 years ago, it was cutting edge communication.

Meet Jon and Patricia Sharp, the husband and wife duo behind Nemesis Air Racing. 

To celebrate the RAF’s 100^th anniversary, get to know a bit about these British aircraft, their owners, and what drew their pilots to flight.

Have you ever seen an airplane perform an inverted ribbon cut? You can “see” it at the Museum in DC (and online) in the form of Patty Wagstaff’s Extra 260 aircraft.

"Eject, eject, eject!" Most of us are experienced at bailing out of social situations, but what about airplanes? Fewer than 1 percent of military pilots ever pull the eject handle, but they all know what comes next. The canopy blows, and the pilot is (literally!) rocketed up and out. Now what?