Chino California
Chino airport is a mecca for aviation enthusiasts-I was expecting a decent aviation collection but was really surprised to find not one, but three amazing museums, and the most impressive thing is that ALL of the planes are restored to airworthy condition. This is a location not to be missed if you're anywhere in the area, with well over three hundred planes to be seen. A modest sampling of my favourites below....
Pre WW11
The flightline off all original aircraft as you enter the pre WW11 showroom, all of which fly.
Modern Era
A portion of the modern era flight-line; all of them in flying condition. Canadair F-5 in the foreground.
Naval jets
In the backlot..
I like taking the liberty to slip out onto the apron and see what's parked behind closed doors whenever I get a chance- I happened across this Convair waiting for restoration in the backlot-the tail gives it away as a former AirForce One
More in the backlot...
Harrier jumpjet that's seen better days. This''ll be a tricky one to keep in flying condition given the fuel it sucks and the skill level required to fly it.
More still..
Reconnaissance patrol plane.
P-36 Peashooter
Last US fighter plane with an open cockpit. Voted least threatening name of all US fighter planes.
Northrop Flying wing
Yes, it actually flew and is a direct ancestor to the current Stealth bomber.
P-59 Aircomet
This was America's first kick at a jet fighter using technology gleaned from German fighter planes captured during WW11. This one was number 10 off the line. When they were first brought out to the desert to test, dummy propellors were placed on the nose to avoid suspicion.
A rare Mustang project. Yet another B-25 in the background.
Original Zero
I believe this is the only original Zero in airworthy condition, in original colours. This particular plane was testflown by Charles Lindbergh upon it's return to the US to get a feel for it's flying characteristics. I think it bears a close resemblance to Howard Hughes H-1 racer.
Top Secret
Three jets/rockets that might have made for a significantly different outcome for the Allies had they been further along in development. The one in the front launched vertically from a tower.
Heinkel HE-162
Another remarkable German fighter jet, well in advance of anything the competition had at the time.
Skyrocket
One of three built, all survive still, Scott Crossfield piloted number 2 to Mach 2. Another significant California (El Segundo) aircraft design by Douglas aircraft. See it's close relative, the Skystreak on my Charlotte page. The difference was that the Skyrocket was a swept wing design.
Vampire
I have to give the nod to the museum's Vampire jet, also Canada's first fighter jet.
