Readers, Welcome to my blog (formerly Birds, Blooms, Books, etc). I'm entering a new decade taking on the challenge of moving from Maryland after living there 46 years and learning about my new home here in New England in the Live Free or Die state - New Hampshire. Join me as a write this new chapter of my life.

Monday, May 8, 2017

Airplane Noses

A second post from our visit to the Udvar-Hazy Center of the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum

I was taken by the decorations on the various planes, mostly in the front or the nose.  And that part of the airplane came in a variety of shapes.

I think the first one is a Corsair.  Someone who knows their planes may correct me.  Very popular among pilots in WWII.  Women flew these in the States but not in battle.


Compare the nose above to the Blackbird which flew incredibly fast and used in Cold War aviation.


Skunk on the Blackbird has something to do with how it smelled.  The plane is made of titanium which the US didn't have access to so dummy corporations were formed to purchase titanium from the Soviets.  The plane was then used to spy on the Soviets but never flew over their airspace.


This one as insignia on the fuselage.  Recognize it?


Here's a close up.  It's the USA throwing its hat in the ring to join the war.


Love this eagle!


Look closely at this image.


Yes, daring young men on the flying trapeze.


Here's the nose of the Concord.  It may have been a fast flight over the Atlantic but required so much fuel that it wasn't economical to fly.  Notice the very small windows - necessary because of its speed.


This one is really shiny.


Here is one of the smallest planes.  7 foot wing span!


You know what this one was famous for.


Interesting pattern on this nose.


Can't remember what this was


Here's the nose of the space shuttle.  



To get the shuttle in the building the roof had to be removed above the doors.




It is a fascinating place.  More to come in another post.

5 comments:

Tom said...

...what a great collection of airplane nose art!

Kay said...

This is so cool! We were there last year. It was so much fun to see your photos.

Fun60 said...

A number of famous aircraft there. I always regret not flying on concorde.

Cynthia said...

Wow, those are really neat. Iv flown Lufthansa but it looked nothing like that! That one looks homemade.

Margaret Birding For Pleasure said...

Such an interesting plaace and one I would love to visit. I am sorry these days I do not have the same time to comment on all your posts due to recent events but I appreaciae you posts and your comments on mine.