Early Aviation Collection
The adventurous romance of flying was in full swing during the early 1900s. A number of key figures refining and defining the modern aeroplane. This kicked off the great Pioneer Era (1903 – 1914) of aeroplane development and design. *The early aviation collection in Massachusetts is available for viewing during special events and by appointment.
The elaborately constructed Curtiss Pusher captured the imagination of people worldwide. Unique design features of the bi-plane include positioning the propeller and revolutionary Curtiss OX-5 engine behind the pilot were revolutionary designs at the time.
The world’s only fully restored and operational Curtiss Model F flying boat.
The Wright "Vin Fiz" won acclaim with Calbrath Perry Rodgers at the controls as being the first aircraft to cross the American continent.
The Bleriot XI was a later incarnation of the famed Bleriot flown by Louis Bleriot on July 25, 1909 who became the first to successfully cross the English Channel in an aviation challenge.
World War II Collection
During World War II, aviation firmly established itself as a critical component of modern warfare. Military investment during WWII accelerated aviation design considerably. The Collings Foundation has recovered and restored many of the true landmark aircraft that built the world aviation history. *Some of the WWII aircraft are not on premise. Check under each aircraft’s history for location and viewing access.
A World War II Pacific Theater veteran of the Battle of Okinawa, this unique aircraft was tasked with saving lives as an air ambulance for the United States Marine Corps in 1945.
Last fully restored and flying fighter that survived the attack on Pearl Harbor.
The last fully restored and flying PT-17 Stearman used by the Tuskegee Airmen.
One of the world's most historically significant Spitfire restorations in the world.
Designed and ordered in 1936, the Wildcat finally entered service in November 1940. Initial Wildcat deliveries embarked aboard USS Wasp (CV-7) and USS Ranger (CV-4).
A true David and Goliath story -- a Grasshopper credited with six German tank kills, including two legendary Tiger tanks, in a role for which it was never intended. Survived for years under the cover of a nameless civilian aircraft. Fully restored to its original configuration.
The A-36 was developed around the same time as the P-51A Mustang or Mustang I as it was known in RAF service. The A-36 was designed as a dive-bomber version of the famed P-51 fighter .
The UC-78, known affectionately as the "Bamboo Bomber" because of its wooden construction, was well known as a multi-engine trainer of WWII. Many bomber pilots saw training on this aircraft.
The TBM Avenger was one of the most famous aircraft of WWII in Navy service. Originally designed as a carrier-based torpedo bomber by Grumman Aircraft.
One of the most unique aircraft ever produced, the Fieseler Fi-156 Storch was an aircraft built for a specific task of being able to take off and land in literally twice its own length.
There is an incredible history behind Fw 190F-8 (Wk Nr 93182). This fighter flew combat while serving in JG 5 stationed in Norway. Its last mission was on February 9th, 1945.
Defined as one of the most recognizable WWII trainers ever built, the PT-17 Stearman "Kaydet" flies on into the 21st Century.
The Lightning played one of the most significant operations in the Pacific theater. On April 18th, 1943, a P-38 intercepted and shot down the aircraft Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto was on. Yamamoto was the architect of Japan's naval strategy in the Pacific including the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Korean War Collection
The Korean War was the first shooting war for the newly independent United States Air Force. It was the first time jet aircaraft entered battle. *Aside from the AT-6 Texan and T-33, the majority of the Korean War aircraft are not on the premise.
The T-33 Shooting Star is on static display on the Stow, MA and is not accessible currently.
Definitely one of the most distinctive designs ever employed by a fighter aircraft, the Vought F4U-5NL Corsair lives as one of the most famous fighters built during WWII.
The North American AT-6 Texan won wide acclaim as one of the most well used advanced trainers not only during WWII but also beyond.
Vietnam War Collection
The Korean War was the first shooting war for the newly independent United States Air Force. It was the first time jet aircaraft entered battle. *Aside from the AT-6 Texan and T-33, the majority of the Korean War aircraft are not on the premise.
The F-105G Thunderchief s/n 63-8336 was a modified version of the Republic F-105 used primarily for electronic warfare during the Vietnam War. Known for its robust design and heavy payload capacity, this aircraft played a crucial role in suppressing enemy air defenses. Its advanced radar and missile systems made it a formidable tool in SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses) missions.
Under Restoration
The restoration projects are being conducted off premise.
The infamous German dive bomber of WWII known for its role in Blitzkrieg tactics
This PBY was the United States’ highest scoring U-boat destroyer in history, and is the oldest operational Catalina.
The last known remaining Fairchild PT-19A used for primary flight training by the Tuskegee Airmen in 1944 is currently under restoration to flying condition.
