Phantom on Deck

Phantom on Deck, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

This is an amazingly restored McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II fighter bomber on the flight deck of the USS Midway aircraft carrier museum which is located in San Diego bay. No longer in active service with the U.S. military, the Phantom was an all weather, two seat, twin engined aircraft used extensively during the Vietnam war. This aircraft is located in the landing area of the flight deck. A volunteer docent who was a former F-4 pilot with over 600 carrier landings was available to explain how Navy aircraft are recovered aboard.

Ghost Squadron in Fading Light

Ghost Squadron in Fading Light, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

These historic aircraft are awaiting funds and skilled hands to restore them to flight conditon. Making history by saving it, the Chino Planes of Fame museum is an amazing place.

Intruder's Resting Place

Intruder's Resting Place, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

Saved from the wreckers ball, these two A6-E Intruders await restoration at the Yanks Air Museum in Chino California. The two seat all weather aircraft saw service beginning in the Vietnam conflict serving the fleet as light bombers.

Push Back

Wee Willy II being pushed back into the hanger after flying in from Arizona.

Push Back

Business End of a Mustang

Under that sleek cowling is the British Rolls Royce Merlin engine. When the P51 was first introduced it used an inferior Allison engine and the resulting performance was a big disappointment. Someone had the idea of putting the Spitfire's Merlin engine into the Mustang and the best fighter of World War 2 was born.

Business End of a Mustang

Polished Silver P-51D Mustang

One of a few flying examples of the P-51D Mustang that the museum has on display.

Polished Silver P-51D Mustang

Premiere American fighter aircraft of WWII - P-51D Mustang

P-51D Mustang "Wee Willy II" in the warbird hanger right after landing at Chino Airport.

Premiere American fighter aircraft of WWII - P-51D Mustang

A-4 Skyhawk and Kathy

Kathy with a Douglas Aircraft A-4 Skyhawk U.S. Navy attack aircraft.

A-4 Skyhawk and Kathy

Lucky Lady II

Boeing B-50 Bomber, the Lucky Lady II was the first aircraft to fly around the world non-stop. They utilized the then just developed technology of air-to-air refueling. I'm not sure where the Planes of Fame Museum aquired the aircraft. I do know I have seen the rear section against a hanger wall but I've never seen the wings which must be huge!

Lucky Lady II

Intruder on Deck!

I was walking down the flight deck of the USS Midway aircraft carrier museum in San Diego when I spotted this pristine example of the A6 Intruder looking like it was ready to taxi on to the catapult. I realized that even though I have been to a ton of airplane museums I had never seen an A6 in person. It's impressive to say the least. An all weather day/night attack aircraft, the intruder could and did put bombs on target with great accuracy. 

Intruder on Deck!