 |
B-17F Memphis Belle™: The sheet metal repairs to the aft fuselage are nearing completion. The radial engines are still being restored and built up, and restoration of the wheels, brake, and left inboard wing is in progress. The ball-turret is being assembled and nearing completion. Also, the trailing edge of the left inboard wing has been re-attached to the wing after undergoing restoration. Items that are missing are being fabricated with the help of Boeing blueprints. Miscellaneous panels and pieces are also being stripped for restoration. Click here to view a slide show of the Memphis Belle™ restoration or here for more information and photos
Note: The original Memphis Belle™ was on static display in Memphis, Tenn., until October 2005. At that time, it was transported to the museum where it is now undergoing restoration. The B-17 with "Memphis Belle" markings seen at many air shows is not the original aircraft. |
 |
B-17D The Swoose: The fuselage, vertical tail, four engines, wing tips, two ailerons, propellers and flap actuators have arrived. All items are in the process of being evaluated for restoration. The interior has been removed from the aircraft and is being inspected. Click here for more information and photos |
 |
B-29 Rescue Boat: Volunteers are cleaning up the parts from the donor boat that were missing on our other boat. The engine has been removed from the donor boat and is being restored. |
 |
British Bristol Beaufighter: The flight controls are being fabricated. The structure of the ailerons have been completed (but still need the fabric), and the elevators are being made. (Note: The restoration of this aircraft is being completed while on display in the museum's Air Power Gallery.) Click here for more information and photos |
 |
Curtiss A-25A: The fuselage has been separated from the wing, and the center wing has been separated at the production joints so that the aircraft can be completely assessed for corrosion. The skin has also been removed to allow access for corrosion control. Click here for more information and photos |
 |
C-123K: Volunteers continue to work on cleaning and polishing the exterior of the aircraft in the Modern Flight Gallery. Click here for more information and photos |
 |
C-133: A major clean-up effort continues on the flight deck and crew quarters of the plane, and the upholstery is being cleaned and repaired by the volunteers. Click here for more information and photos |
 |
Fisher P-75A: The staff is completing the restoration of the compound curve sheet metal work. The canopy will soon be fabricated. Volunteers are polishing the aircraft. Click here for more information and photos |
 |
Fuel Drop Tanks: F-107 fuel drop tanks are being cleaned, polished and painted as required. Upon completion, they will be re-hung on the aircraft. |
 |
GAU-8/A: General restoration work has been completed on the GAU-8/A storage boxes for the loader, which were used on the A-10. The restoration staff is in the process of acquiring the missing feed chutes. |
|
Lavochkin La-17: This aircraft was the first Soviet Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) to reach operational service, and it is being evaluated for restoration by the volunteer staff. All missing pieces including the engine cowling will have to be fabricated. |
 |
MiG-23: This aircraft was recently moved from the Cold War Gallery and taken to the Restoration Hangar. The engine has been removed and placed into another MiG-23 that has been in storage. The MiG-23 that was in storage is considered more complete (with a full cockpit among other items). The new MiG-23 will be prepped and painted by the Restoration staff and volunteers and then returned to the Cold War Gallery. Click here for more information and photos |
 |
MiG-25: The engine and both of the vertical tails have been installed. Click here for more information and photos |
|
Minuteman III: Two missiles have been removed from storage, disassembled and are being evaluated for corrosion. Missing parts are being acquired and the steel base is being worked. Click here for more information and photos |
 |
R-3350 Engine: Volunteers are restoring the engine and fabricating a display stand. |
 |
SM-73 Bull Goose: The missing engine is being acquired while the aircraft is being evaluated for restoration by the volunteer staff. Click here for more information and photos |
 |
XC-99: The final pieces of the XC-99 have arrived at the museum. Corrosion will have to be treated and repaired before re-assembly can take place by the contractor. Once re-assembly has been completed, restoration will be able to take place. |
Preserving the Air Force's proud legacy, the Restoration Division restores aircraft and aerospace vehicles to historically accurate and visually striking levels. Division members are well versed in a variety of skills ranging from machine and woodworking expertise to precision craftsmanship in sheet metal and painting. Their knowledge of aircraft spans years of technology -- from World War I fabric covered aircraft to the elite fighters of today's Air Force. 
Advanced Search
