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 71 - 80 of 182
August 17, 2020
The Curtiss SB2C Helldiver could have been the U.S. Navy’s frontline carrier-based dive bomber for much of World War II, but problems with its development delayed its introduction and saddled it with a bad reputation.
August 14, 2020
Viewing the painting Spitfire, 1973, by photorealist painter Audrey Flack is like looking at a plane spotting puzzle.
August 13, 2020
Curator of U.S. Air Force History Mike Hankins looks at the post-World War II careers of three Air Force aces.
August 12, 2020
Aeronautics curator Christophere Moore explores one important advancement on the B-29 Superfortress: its central fire control system.
August 11, 2020
Aeronautics curator Bob van der Linden discusses the last-minute "wonder weapons" planned by Japan in the final days of World War II.
August 05, 2020
On August 6, 1945, the crew of a modified Boeing B-29 Superfortress named Enola Gay dropped the first atomic bomb used in warfare, called “Little Boy,” on the city of Hiroshima, Japan.
July 30, 2020
Curator Alex Spencer tells the story of Felice Figus.
July 27, 2020
Curator Russ Lee discusses the lesser-known Japanese fighter aircraft Shiden Kai.
July 10, 2020
Curator Jeremy Kinney explores the contribution of Royal Air Force leader Desmond Cooke to the improvement of Supermarine Spitfires prior to the Battle of Britain.
July 08, 2020
Historian Thomas Paone explores the important role played by K-ships in hunting German U-Boats during World War II.