Latest news with #NationalMuseumoftheUSAirForce
Business Insider
4 days ago
- General
- Business Insider
I visited the only B-2 stealth bomber on display in the world. Take a closer look.
The advanced warplanes, which cost around $2 billion each, can evade radar detection and drop tens of thousands of pounds of nuclear or conventional weapons. They were most recently deployed in Operation Midnight Hammer in June, dropping 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs on Iran's nuclear facilities. All 19 of the US Air Force's operational B-2 planes are housed at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, where access is strictly limited. However, there is one place in the world where a B-2 is on permanent public display: the National Museum of the US Air Force in Dayton, Ohio. I visited the museum in August to see the one-of-a-kind exhibit. Take a look. The Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit entered development during the Cold War, and the first plane became operational in 1993. B-2s were used in Operation Allied Force in Serbia in 1999, as well as in Afghanistan and Iraq during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom in the early advanced stealth technologies that make it extremely difficult to detect by radar, a capacity to deploy nuclear and conventional weapons, and an ability to refuel midair for flight times that can exceed 30 hours, the B-2 is one of the most powerful warplanes in the world, and it has a very long reach. No other country operates anything comparable to the combat power and capability of the B-2 bomber. Technicians conducted over 1,000 hours of temperature testing at McKinley Climatic Laboratory at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida and found that the B-2 could withstand temperatures ranging from -65 degrees to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. To commemorate their work, the technicians painted a decorative "Fire & Ice" decal on the nose landing gear panel and signed their art was popular during World War II, when pilots and crew members would often personalize their planes with cartoons, pinups, or tallies of their missions. It's not as common on bombers in active service today. Air Combat Command prepares and equips Air Force teams to provide fighter power, intelligence, cyber operations, and support for combat missions around the shield-shaped emblem shows a downward-facing sword with wings spread on either side. The "509th" and "Follow us" reference the origins of the modern 509th Bomb Wing, which operates B-2 World War II, the historic 509th Composite Group was responsible for deploying nuclear weapons. The B-29 Superfortress bombers that dropped the first atomic bombs on Japan were part of this motto was "Follow Us, Follow Us, as we usher in the Nuclear Age," according to the US Air Force's official 509th was instrumental in the formation of Strategic Air Command and continues to support US nuclear deterrence. I found the B-2 to be one of the most memorable exhibits at the museum. The National Museum of the US Air Force features around 350 planes and missiles over 19 acres of exhibit space — among which were an Air Force One used by eight US presidents, Titan and Minuteman intercontinental ballistic missiles, and the B-29 that dropped the atomic bomb on Nagasaki — but seeing one of the world's most advanced warplanes up close was a memorable experience.
Business Insider
4 days ago
- General
- Business Insider
I visited the only B-2 stealth bomber on display in the world. Take a closer look.
The National Museum of the US Air Force has the world's only permanent public exhibition of a B-2. B-2 planes are known for their stealth technology, long flight range, and nuclear capability. The plane exhibited at the museum features remnants of the ground-based testing it endured. I never thought I'd get to see a B-2 Spirit stealth bomber in person. The advanced warplanes, which cost around $2 billion each, can evade radar detection and drop tens of thousands of pounds of nuclear or conventional weapons. They were most recently deployed in Operation Midnight Hammer in June, dropping 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs on Iran's nuclear facilities. All 19 of the US Air Force's operational B-2 planes are housed at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, where access is strictly limited. However, there is one place in the world where a B-2 is on permanent public display: the National Museum of the US Air Force in Dayton, Ohio. I visited the museum in August to see the one-of-a-kind exhibit. Take a look. The B-2 Spirit stealth bomber is one of the most fearsome warplanes in the world. The Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit entered development during the Cold War, and the first plane became operational in 1993. B-2s were used in Operation Allied Force in Serbia in 1999, as well as in Afghanistan and Iraq during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom in the early 2000s. With advanced stealth technologies that make it extremely difficult to detect by radar, a capacity to deploy nuclear and conventional weapons, and an ability to refuel midair for flight times that can exceed 30 hours, the B-2 is one of the most powerful warplanes in the world, and it has a very long reach. No other country operates anything comparable to the combat power and capability of the B-2 bomber. The National Museum of the US Air Force added a B-2 to its collection in 2003. The aircraft was shipped to the National Museum of the US Air Force in pieces in seven separate shipments. Reassembling it took restoration staff three years. At the 2003 dedication ceremony, then-museum director Charles D. Metcalf called it "one of the world's largest jigsaw puzzles." With a wingspan of 172 feet, it's one of the most prominent displays in the museum's Cold War gallery. Even with the wide-angle camera setting on my iPhone, I could barely capture the entire plane in frame. The B-2 housed at the museum never flew — it was one of two that Northrop Grumman built for ground-based testing. Northrop Grumman built two test planes with the exact same specifications as the operational B-2s but without engines or instruments. A museum volunteer showed me metal patches on the aircraft, which were used to repair one of the wings after it snapped during fatigue testing. Fatigue testing uses hydraulic plates to simulate flying conditions and test an aircraft's durability. "Whatever the maximum load is, the plane has to take 150% of that to pass the test," he said. "This one actually passed, though, at 161%, but you can see where it failed." A nose landing gear panel featured artwork added by the service members who conducted temperature testing. Technicians conducted over 1,000 hours of temperature testing at McKinley Climatic Laboratory at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida and found that the B-2 could withstand temperatures ranging from -65 degrees to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. To commemorate their work, the technicians painted a decorative "Fire & Ice" decal on the nose landing gear panel and signed their names. Nose art was popular during World War II, when pilots and crew members would often personalize their planes with cartoons, pinups, or tallies of their missions. It's not as common on bombers in active service today. The plane's exterior featured the emblem of the Air Combat Command. Air Combat Command prepares and equips Air Force teams to provide fighter power, intelligence, cyber operations, and support for combat missions around the world. The shield-shaped emblem shows a downward-facing sword with wings spread on either side. Wording on one of the landing gear doors indicated the plane's name: "Spirit of Freedom." The "509th" and "Follow us" reference the origins of the modern 509th Bomb Wing, which operates B-2 planes. During World War II, the historic 509th Composite Group was responsible for deploying nuclear weapons. The B-29 Superfortress bombers that dropped the first atomic bombs on Japan were part of this unit. Their motto was "Follow Us, Follow Us, as we usher in the Nuclear Age," according to the US Air Force's official website. I found the B-2 to be one of the most memorable exhibits at the museum. The National Museum of the US Air Force features around 350 planes and missiles over 19 acres of exhibit space — among which were an Air Force One used by eight US presidents, Titan and Minuteman intercontinental ballistic missiles, and the B-29 that dropped the atomic bomb on Nagasaki — but seeing one of the world's most advanced warplanes up close was a memorable experience.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
14 positive things that happened on Friday the 13th
June 13 is a Friday. Traditionally, Friday the 13th is considered a "cursed" date, but it doesn't have to be. President Johnson signed an executive order preventing gender discrimination on October 13, 1967. Friday the 13th has a long history of freaking people out. When this day rolls around, people buy and travel less. In fact, the global economy is estimated to lose as much as $900 million every time a Friday lands on the 13th. However, the Dutch Center for Insurance Statistics reported in 2008 that Friday the 13th is actually statistically safer than other Fridays — there are fewer accidents and reports of fire and theft on these days. If that doesn't convince you, keep scrolling to learn about some positive events that took place on a Friday the 13th. President Lyndon B. Johnson signed an executive order preventing gender discrimination in the government. While Title VII officially prevented discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, and sex for private employers, it wasn't until Executive Order 11375 that discrimination based on gender was illegal for the federal government and federal contractors. President Johnson signed the order, which was officially titled Amending Executive Order No. 11246, Relating to Equal Employment Opportunity, on October 13, 1967. Malta became a republic. The tiny Mediterranean country of Malta first became independent of the British in 1964, but officially became a republic on December 13, 1974. Even though it's small, Malta is an underrated place to visit. Evelyn "Pinky" Kilgare-Brier became the first certified female pilot instructor. According to the National Museum of the US Air Force, Kilgare-Brier became the first woman to receive an airplane instructor's license on October 13, 1939. She was an important figure for women in aviation. She also flew non-combat missions during World War II, and after the war she owned and operated her own private airport, according to her obituary in the Los Angeles Times. The Olympics officially returned to their home country. The 2004 Summer Olympics were held in Athens, Greece, the country where they started, both in ancient and modern times. The opening ceremony took place on August 13. It was the largest Olympic Games at the time, with 201 countries participating. Michael Phelps also won his first Olympic medal and broke his first record in Athens. The queens of the '90s, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, were born. The Olsen twins were born on June 13, 1986. They famously got their start on "Full House" and went on to create an empire: books, videos, perfume, clothing lines, and much more. "Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour" premiered on Friday, October 13, 2023. Taylor Swift was born on December 13, 1989 — her birthday landed on Friday the 13th last year — and she has repeatedly said that 13 is her favorite number. She even used to perform with "13" drawn on her hand. As part of her 13 agenda, her blockbuster concert film "Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour" premiered in theaters on Friday, October 13, 2023. It went on to become the highest-grossing concert film of all time after grossing $261 million worldwide, according to Box Office Mojo. The first scientifically recognized dinosaur eggs were discovered. Roy Chapman Andrews discovered the first dinosaur eggs at a dig in Mongolia on July 13, 1923, according to the American Museum of Natural History. Scientifically, this was huge for the field of paleontology, confirming that dinosaurs laid eggs. The museum was so impressed that Andrews went on to become its director from 1935 to 1942. The famous Hollywood sign was dedicated. The Hollywood sign is an iconic piece of California culture. But when it was officially dedicated on July 13, 1923, it wasn't even supposed to last for more than two years. Originally, the sign was installed to promote a new subdivision in the Hollywood Hills. "Super Mario Bros." was released. "Super Mario Bros.," one of the most iconic video games in history, was released on September 13, 1985, exclusively in Japan, per The Verge. Since then, Mario has been in approximately 170 games, including wildly successful spin-offs like "Mario Kart," "Mario Party," and "Paper Mario." A "significant amount" of water was found on the Moon. A lunar space station has long been the subject of science fiction novels, but on November 13, 2009, that dream took one step closer to reality when NASA announced they found water on the Moon. How much is a "significant amount"? According to NASA's Anthony Colaprete, around a dozen 2-gallon bucketfuls. Black Sabbath released their debut album and invented heavy metal. The 69th best debut album of all time, at least according to Rolling Stone, Black Sabbath's self-titled album was released on February 13, 1970. The album is widely regarded as having created the genre of heavy metal, with instant classics like "NIB." and "The Wizard." Actor Steve Buscemi was born. Steve Buscemi was born on December 13, 1957 — yes, he shares a birthday with Taylor Swift. Buscemi might be famous as an actor, but he also has a lesser-known second career: a New York City firefighter. Buscemi became an NYC firefighter at age 18. He eventually left the service to pursue acting, but in the aftermath of 9/11, Buscemi helped with rescue efforts and worked 12-hour shifts sifting through the rubble. "Friday the 13th Part III" was released. Of the iconic "Friday the 13th" movie saga, "Part III" was the first to actually open on Friday the 13th (August 13, 1982), the first to experiment with 3D, and the first appearance of Jason's mask. Even though the movie was critically panned, the movie made over $36 million against a $2.3 million budget, according to Box Office Mojo. Friday the 13th is always the last day before the weekend. If all else fails to convince you that Friday the 13th isn't a cursed date, just remember this: It's the last day of the workweek. Fridays are the best! Read the original article on Business Insider
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Area event introduces STEM students to careers in aviation, engineering
An event at the National Museum of the US Air Force hosted Miami Valley STEM students, providing them with a hands-on learning experience in aviation on Friday. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] News Center 7's Mason Fletcher attended HeliStorm 2025 and spoke with the event organizer. Hear more about how students put their learning into action LIVE on News Center 7 at 5:00. TRENDING STORIES: Loretta Swit, 'Hot Lips' Houlihan on 'M*A*S*H,' dies at 87 'Worst I've ever seen;' Over 30 dogs, several ferrets found in area home with 'feces inches deep' Area police chief placed on paid leave pending misconduct investigation HeliStorm 2025, held May 29 through June 1, provides STEM students the opportunity to connect with aviation professionals as well as earn scholarship money for their school. The top 3 schools with the most students at the event split a $5,000 scholarship. HeliStorm event organizer Michael Kranitz said students have the opportunity to talk to pilots and learn more about aircrafts. He said the flying machines are like video games with consequences and hopes to inspire young people with an interest in the aviation industry. 'What I hope they get out of it is a new discipline that they didn't know about,' Kranitz said. This story will be updated. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
22-03-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
New exhibit highlights ocean exploration at National Museum of the US Air Force
The National Museum of the US Air Force hosted an event Saturday to educate visitors on the parallels between space and deep-sea exploration. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The museum's special exhibit, OceanXpo, is on display until the end of April. Here, guests can learn about the technology and discoveries of those who study oceans and space. TRENDING STORIES: 26-year-old man dead after crash on St. Patrick's Day Ohio man gets 25 years in prison for sexual exploitation of young girl Teacher accused of having sexual relationship with student pleads not guilty Saturday's event included industry professionals as exhibitors as well as conservation groups, scuba shops and military recruiters. OceanXperience is a traveling exhibition, based on the National Geographic series OceanXplorers. The series follows a team of scientists exploring the deep ocean. For more information on the exhibit or the National Museum of the US Air Force, click here. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
