SEE THE NEW STEVEN F UDVAR-HAZY CENTER BEFORE THE
GENERAL PUBLIC OPENING!!!!

When the opportunity arises to get into the hottest new aviation museum in the world a week before the general public, who would say no?

So, on December 6, 2003, through the blinding snow, I headed south out of the Philadelphia area and five hours later (a normal three hour drive) I arrived just outside of Washington, DC. The destination? The end of the runway of Dulles International Airport. To be exact, the new Smithsonian Steven F Udvar-Hazy Center.

I'm going to be very brief and let the pictures sell the show. So how about a who, what where, when, and why. Also, tons of other information may be found at http://www.nasm.si.edu/museum/udvarhazy/. So why bother writing what's already been written?

Who
Steven F Udvar-Hazy is a man that made his fortune in the aircraft leasing business. He decided to give back to aviation and gave a $60 million donation to the Smithsonian Institution.

What
This massive new museum is designed to give a feel of an old Zeppelin hangar, which is exactly what I said as I arrived. Dimensions are 986 feet long, 248 feet wide, 103 feet tall. These dimensions don't include the other attaching parts of the structure. There is an observation tower so that attendees may watch planes land at Dulles International. Remember, I said the museum is at the end of the runway.

When
This museum opens up on December 15, 2003. That is 2 days before the 100th birthday of the Wright Brothers historic Flight. Like you didn't know that!

Where
While it is indeed off the runway of the Dulles International Airport, it is an exit just before
arriving at the airport. Refer to the website address supplied for exact directions.

Why
Because this place is just cool. If you have any friends that ask "why this was built" or "why would
you go", ditch them. They obviously have some type of imbalance.

A quick description
Walk in the front doors and through the hallway to the end. The Museum opens up like something out of a James Bond movie and immediately triggers the anticipation gland. The secretion of this fluid causes a delirium of excitement as you look left to the "Enola Gay" above at a Corsair coming in for attack, and right at the MiG 21. Dead ahead, in the distance, as you walk the hallway to the railing, you see the only aircraft with that tail and engine configuration. Like royalty, holding court in the private hall, sits the Enterprise, the first Space Shuttle. Actually, the test mule since it was never meant for space. Drawn to the railing, there sits the black Intimidator, seeming to say "Ya gotta get past me first". Acting as gatekeeper, the SR-71 "Blackbird" is directly below and in front of your position. This layout will just blow any visitor away. If not, get a casket, because there is no pulse to quicken. Just trust me on this.

The building is outfitted with catwalks, ramps and stairs. At first, these walkways seem random and really only utilitarian. Then, as the tour begins, either self or guided, it becomes a realization that the design is for good, no, perfect views. Trying to get a picture in one area may be futile but above and over will yield a shot bigger than life.

Final info
The museum is not yet finished. There is plenty of room for more aircraft that have not yet been finished. "Flak Bait", a B-26 Marauder bomber is one not yet ready for presentation. Another $92 million is needed to finish the entire project. I cannot imagine what it will be like when it is done but it sure is a good excuse to go back.

I noticed that parking will be $12 when the museum opens. Admission is free. Hey, pony up some bucks for a donation, I did. Even if you can't visit right away, cut 'em a check. You will NOT regret it.
 

These shots give an idea what is first seen

Note the center catwalk

Here's what the center catwalk view looks like. Note far side catwalk

and from the other side

Random views to show how the displays are set up

Climbing the staircase on the center far side of the building, look down to this

Apparently, the "Enola Gay" was destined for fame. This is the registered trademark for the name

Obviously a view of the cockpit

A view when the camera is hung far over the rail

No fisheye lens, so I did what I coould

Hey, when was the last time any layman had the chance to stand under the Concorde?

One of the interesting things is that the enclosed displays are not internally lit

Now, look inside the "Quarantine Facility"

What exactly are they telling us with the American Standard plate?

Me taking a picture

This is with flash

This is what the public sees

No, not an Osprey!!

I just know there's a joke here someplace.

Perfect example of the different views from walkways and stairs

The plane that helped put FedEx on the map. This was one of the first

Too cool for words. The US could have saved some money. Dad said he would've flown it for free!

View from the catwalk between the SR-71 and Shuttle

From the SR-71 display case

The Skunk Logo is for Lockheed's Skunkworks.

Absolute require reading "SKUNKWORKS" by Ben Cohen. Tells all about the development of SR-71, U-2 and F-117 Stealth Fighter. Very funny and informing book. Tells how the name came about.

Insert engine here

Portable missile. Perfect for the dictator who has everything!

A cruise missile with wings

Engines to the right

I didn't realize the Japanese had a jet engine at the end of WWII

This is a "W" configured motor

Later P-51 Power

Nothing say fun like a plane with an on-board Geiger counter

First, I'm not so sure I'd fly this thing

Then I have to fire that gun at another plane?

Here's some views just to give a feel

This is the entrance and front area view.

Currently, there is a display case for lighter than air, man's first experience being aloft.  It's empty.