Jet Age

World War II served as a catalyst for development of the jet aircraft. By 1944, Germany had introduced the Meserschmitt 262, a very capable jet fighter. Great Britain, Japan and the United States soon followed. Each nation had, in fact, developed and flown operational jet fighters before the end of the war. Today commercial and military aircraft have come of age. Supersonic Concordes streak to their destinations at twice the speed of sound. Huge numbers of passengers and endless tons of freight are routinely moved by jetliners.

Military use of jet aircraft is equally as commonplace. The museum is fortunate to have a growing collection of jet aircraft, including one-of-a-kind models. One particularly rare aircraft is the Ryan X-13 Vertijet—only two were ever built. Produced by Ryan Aeronautical Company for the U.S. Air Force to explore potential vertical take-off concepts, it was flown at Edwards and Andrews Air Force Bases as well as on the steps of the Pentagon.

Two of the best known Jet Age adversaries are also presented in the collection, the MiG-15 and the F-86 Sabre. These aircraft fought many aerial battle engagements during the Korean War.