Stories of daring, stories of technological feats, stories of prevailing against the odds ... these are the stories we tell at the National Air and Space Museum. Dive in to the stories below to discover, learn, and be inspired. 

Showing 51 - 60 of 158

Entrance to tunnel

June 23, 2020

 “Wonder Weapons” and Slave Labor

Story | 75th Anniversary of World War II

Curator Michael Neufeld discusses how Nazi Germany's high-tech weapons were assembled in part by forced and slave labor from the various Nazi camp systems.

Group of airmen in front of aircraft

June 09, 2020

A Pattern of Resistance: The Tuskegee Airmen on Trial, Part 1

Story | 75th Anniversary of World War II

The Tuskegee Airmen’s fight for equality involved more than their skills in the air. It required coordinated, collective actions of civil disobedience in which 162 officers risked their careers and their lives to stand up against systemic racism in the US Army Air Forces (AAF).

Waco GC-4A glider

May 08, 2020

Fighting Gliders of World War II

Story | 75th Anniversary of World War II

Curator Russell Lee explores a lesser-known form of World War II aviation: the fighting glider.

crashed Junkers Ju 88

May 08, 2020

Last American Aerial Victory in Europe

Story | 75th Anniversary of World War II

For the 75th anniversary of VE Day, curator Christopher Moore shares the story of the last American World War II aerial victory in Europe.

painting of nine men in front of aircraft

May 07, 2020

Remembering World War II Through Art

Story | 75th Anniversary of World War II

Carolyn Russo, curator of the Museum's art collection, shares the story behind the painting November 1944, by artist Robert Jordan, who served in World War II and was a Prisoner of War at Luft IV POW camp.

Front view of green tri-blade propellered Zero Fighter aircraft

May 01, 2020

Mitsubishi A6M Zero Fighter

Story | 75th Anniversary of World War II

Few American fighter pilots on their own survived a turning, twisting, close-in dogfight against a capable Japanese pilot flying a Mitsubishi A6M Zero during World War II. Curator Russell Lee explores in a new blog.

aircraft in wind tunnel

April 20, 2020

Sleeker and Faster: The Impact of the Full Scale Wind Tunnel

Story | 75th Anniversary of World War II

Curator John Anderson explores the impact of the NACA's Full Scale Wind Tunnel on creating faster and sleeker airplanes to help the Allies win World War II.

Six men in front of Flak-Bait

April 17, 2020

Flak-Bait Survives the War

Story | 75th Anniversary of World War II

On April 17, 1945, 75 years ago to this day, Flak-Bait's Army Air Forces crew led it on its 200th mission.

V-1 Cruise Missile on display

April 13, 2020

The Myth of the German “Wonder Weapons”

Story | 75th Anniversary of World War II

Aeronautics curator Michael Neufeld examines the myth of the Nazi wonder weapons and the oft-repeated statement that if Germany had had the V-2 and other "wonder weapons" sooner, they may have won the war.

woman holding flowers in front of aircraft

April 02, 2020

Pat the Pilot: American Aviatrix, WAFS Member, and Allied Liaison

Story | 75th Anniversary of World War II

Aline “Pat” Rhonie made a perfect three-point landing in her 125 hp Luscombe Phantom when she touched down in Manchester, New Hampshire, on June 6, 1940. Owned by Rhonie, the plane was a Warner-powered, high-wing, two-seat cabin monoplane that she flew as the American Liaison for the French Aero Club. Rhonie piloted civilian and military aircraft throughout the United States as an American aviatrix and eventual member of the Women’s Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron, yet her mission traversed international borders to support the Allied cause.