The Air Force Flight Test Museum, located at Edwards Air Force Base in California, is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich history of flight testing, aerospace advancements, and technological innovations associated with the base and the surrounding region. The museum’s mission is to educate the public about over 75 years of flight test research, highlighting the significant contributions of Edwards AFB to aviation history.
Air Force Flight Test Museum
+1 (661) 277-8050
Tuesday – Friday 09:30 – 16:30 for people who already have base access.
Open to those with Current Base Access – Museum closed to the General Public – NEW Flight Test Museum will be open to all (anticipated 2026)
Free admission
Gift shop
Aircraft collection
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. N57161/408 46-0066 56-0585 – – 73-1090 55-0665 – 73-1664 75-0747 63-9766 WD592 61-2358 61-7955 53-5099 64-1004 63-7407/ED 65-0713 N835NA 64-1004/ED 60-3505 137702 61-0849 N482PE 51-9350/FS-350 62-12581 53-4477 67-0583/ED 46-0062 68-10771 73-1090/ED 75-0751 N22YF/87-0700 N86652 46-676 – |
(outside) Beech UC-45J Expeditor Boeing XB-47 Stratojet Boeing B-52D Stratofortress Boeing Phantom Eye Boeing X-48C Blended Wing Cessna NA-37B Dragonfly Convair YB-58A Hustler Douglas PGM-17 THOR Fairchild Republic YA-10B Thunderbolt II General Dynamics F-16XL General Dynamics NF-111A Gloster Meteor TT.20 Lockheed C-130E Hercules Lockheed SR-71A Blackbird Lockheed T-33A T-Bird McDonnell NRF-4C Phantom II McDonnell NF-4C Phantom II McDonnell YF-4E Phantom II McDonnell Douglas F-15A Eagle McDonnell Douglas/Boeing X-36 North American CT-39A North American T-28D Trojan Northrop T-38C Talon Piper PA-48 Enforcer Republic F-84F Thunderstreak Sikorsky JCH-3E Sikorsky UH-34G Seabat Vought YA-7D Corsair II Bell X-1 (replica) Benson X-25A Gyrocopter Cessna NA-37B Dragonfly General Dynamics YF-16B Fighting Falcon Lockheed YF-22 Lightning II M2-F1 Lifting Body Northrop X-4 Bantam Ryan AQM-34 Firebee |
Collection and Exhibits:
The Air Force Flight Test Museum features an extensive collection of aircraft and artifacts that chronicle the evolution of flight testing. Visitors can explore exhibits detailing groundbreaking test flights, technological milestones, and the stories of the pilots and engineers who played pivotal roles in advancing aerospace science. The collection includes a variety of aircraft, from early experimental models to modern jets, each representing a chapter in the history of aviation innovation.
Access and Future Plans:
Currently, the Air Force Flight Test Museum is situated within the secure perimeter of Edwards AFB, requiring base access for visitors. To enhance public accessibility and inspire future generations, plans are underway to relocate the museum outside the base gates. This new facility will not only preserve the rich history of the Antelope Valley but also serve as a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) center, aiming to educate and engage the community.
The Air Force Flight Test Museum stands as a testament to the pioneering spirit of aviation and continues to inspire and educate visitors about the past, present, and future of flight testing and aerospace innovation.
Air Force Flight Test Museum will be located from 2027outside the West Gate and be accessible to the public.