04/07/2022 to 04/08/2022
COVID is a bit under control, so we thought it safe to do a little local trip.
Don & Arlene - the usual intrepid travelers - expressed a desire to see the Titan Missile and Pima Air Museum.
What could be better than good friends, a ballistic missile and planes. So off to Tucson!
The Titan Missile Museum - AKA Air Force Facility Missile Site 8 or as Titan II ICBM Site 571-7 - is one of the last remaining Titan Missiles.
Although it was deactivated in 1984 some very dedicated fans of things that fly wanted to preserve it as a part of history.
They went through a few hundred hoops, including a step or two to satisfy Russian recon satellites it was really not launchable, and a great piece of history became a must-see tourist attraction.
The entrance to the Control Room
That door on the right would be shut - nothing gets in and nothing gets out
Don testing the door. Once you get it moving it is so smooth
Inside the Control Room
Hard to believe the fate of mankind could be determined here.
These huge springs ensured the room was not effected by any tremor from outside
Just some of the halls
Survival suits
Lots of warning signs. No ide what this referred to
The missile is encased in a viewing area.
Heading up and out
That's the stairs I just exited. In the old days it would seal.
That concrete cover encases the missile. It was one of the requirements
The missile is partially covered by a massive slab, ensuring it can not launch. Notice the glass pyramid.
The glass pyramid lets you look into the silo. Hard to get good shots without reflections
That hole in the side of the nosecone was also one of the things required as proof it can not launch.
Radiation Danger. Such a warm and reassuring sign.
Planes, planes and more planes. Many lovingly restored for our enjoyment.
This has to be one of the largest and most diverse collection of planes anywhere.
There are 5 hangers and a very large outdoor exhibit. Whatever type of aircraft you are interested in they probably have it.
There are some docents in various areas, but you are free to wander around at your own pace, read the informative plaques, and just enjoy.
Inside one of the hangers
A B-17 restored. The "I'll Be Around"
Inside the bomber. Not exactly plush
Looking out through the front
A shot of the B-17 from the second floor
A B-29 Superfortress
Douglas B-18B Bolo
Fairchild A-10A Thunderbolt
PBY
Just some of the planes out on the field
The Guppy - officially the Aero Spacelines 377G . Built to hold lots of "stuff"
AVRO Shakleton
A B47 and a B-36
Ahh, a B52. These are huge
Boing EB-47E
A KB-50J
Convair B-36J. It was an early use of jet engines to augment the props
Kludgy but pretty lines
Convair B-58A Hustler
Globemaster. They always look like happy face planes
A Fairey Gannet.
Harrier Jump Jets. Love these
It's a Hawker
1950 era helicopters
Lockheed C-141 Starlifter. Another biggie
Sirkosky S-43 Baby Clipper
Migs
And more planes
Lots of planes
