Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum
warbirds@valiantaircommand.com
+1
Daily 09:00 – 17:00
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Years Day
Admission fee
Gift shop
Aircraft collection
| N139PJ/7
67-18113 161055/E-055 162182 07591/184 – N164AB/46-0164/LG-164 NX9TM 61-2389 N293WM/330709 N3239T/42-100591/Z8-V NX2262Z/149606/AE-402 158722/7 WJ574/844 54-0674 N81905/WG-R N6404Q/425/17 – 78-0025 162182/NH 125295/L-301 141882/AF 161134/AJ-114 14994/F-7 62-5906 69-16998 N8114T/136433/433 N3969A/53787/I-6 N108Q/91188/FT-28 N645JK/463221/G4-S 155563/NH-205 59-0400 161948/1 4820 57-0569 13 N62163/44-86697/3L NX86FR/52-4959/FU-201 N5488V/121 156702/F-810 N128KA/137760/CD-760 74-1519 N1406V/330426/53-K 60-0492/MD 69-16998 N15453/V-1 N37788/57-5937 163066/AN-437 N406RC/51146 153135/RTC-01 71-0295/IA 146985/DN-14 N2400X/511 521 |
Aero L-39C Albatros
Beech RU-21A Ute Beech T-34C Mentor Bell UH-1H Iroquois Boeing Stearman N2S-3 Kaydet Convair F-106A Delta Dart (cockpit) Convair L-13A de Havilland DH.82 Tiger Moth de Havilland Canada C-7A Caribou Douglas C-47A Skytrain Douglas C-47A Skytrain Douglas A-4C Skyhawk Douglas TA-4F Skyhawk English Electric Canberra TT.18 Fairchild C-123K Provider Fischer-Van Norman P-51D Mustang Fokker Dr.1 Drei-Decker General Atomics MQ-1C Gray Eagle General Dynamics F-16A Fighting Falcon Grumman A-6E Intruder Grumman F9F-5 Panther Grumman F-11A Tiger Grumman F-14A Tomcat Grumman FM-1 Wildcat Grumman OV-1B Mohawk (front) Grumman OV-1D Mohawk Grumman US-2B Tracker Grumman TBM-3E Avenger Grumman TBM-3U Avenger Krepps KP-51 McDonnell F-4J Phantom McDonnell F-101F Voodoo McDonnell Douglas F/A-18A Hornet Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-21U-600 Lockheed T-33A Nord N.1101 Noralpha (Me 208) North American B-25J Mitchell North American F-86F Sabre North American SNJ-5 Texan North American T-2C Buckeye North American T-28B Trojan Northrop F-5E Tiger Piper L-4J Cub Republic F-105D Thunderchief Rockwell OV-10G Bronco Rockwell OV-10D Bronco Sikorsky UH-19D Chickasaw Sikorsky MH-53E Sea Dragon UTVA Aviona 66 Vought A-7A Corsair II Vought A-7D Corsair II (front) Vought F-8K Crusader WSK SBLim-2 (MiG-15) WSK Lim-5P |
The Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum is located in Titusville, Florida, near the Kennedy Space Center, and is dedicated to preserving, restoring, and showcasing historic military aircraft, particularly warbirds from various conflicts. The museum covers aviation history from World War I through modern military operations, with a focus on preserving the legacy of military aviation and honoring the veterans who served.
Key Highlights of the Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum:
- Aircraft Collection: The museum’s collection includes over 50 restored military aircraft from different eras. Many of the planes are restored to flying condition, and several participate in airshows. Some of the notable aircraft include:
- Douglas C-47 Skytrain (Tico Belle): A fully restored WWII transport aircraft that participated in the D-Day invasion. This aircraft is one of the museum’s most famous pieces and continues to fly in airshows.
- Grumman TBM Avenger: A torpedo bomber used by the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps in World War II.
- North American P-51 Mustang: One of the most famous American fighters of WWII, known for its role in escorting bombers over Europe.
- F-14 Tomcat: A carrier-based fighter jet that gained fame for its role in naval operations and in the movie Top Gun.
- MiG-17: A Soviet jet fighter from the Cold War era, showcasing the diversity of the museum’s collection.
- Exhibit Hangars:
- The museum features several hangars that house its collection of aircraft, where visitors can get up close to the planes. Many of these aircraft have been fully restored to their original flying condition.
- Restoration Hangar: Visitors can see ongoing restoration projects where expert teams work to restore warbirds to their former glory.
- Historical Artifacts: The Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum not only showcases aircraft but also a wide range of military memorabilia and artifacts, including:
- Uniforms, weapons, and equipment from various military campaigns.
- Medals, patches, and other personal effects from soldiers, sailors, and airmen.
- Detailed exhibits on military aviation history, focusing on key moments such as World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam, and modern-day conflicts.
- Veterans’ Stories:
- The museum places a strong emphasis on the stories of the men and women who flew and supported these aircraft. Many of the exhibits feature personal stories, photos, and items donated by veterans and their families.
- Volunteers, many of whom are veterans, provide tours and share firsthand accounts of aviation history and their experiences during service.
- TICO Warbird Airshow:
- One of the Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum’s signature events is the annual TICO Warbird Airshow, a major airshow that draws aviation enthusiasts from around the country. The event features flight demonstrations of historic aircraft, aerobatic performances, reenactments, and static displays.
- During the airshow, visitors can see many of the museum’s aircraft in action, including flights by warbirds like the P-51 Mustang, T-6 Texan, and the C-47.
- Space Coast Proximity:
- Given its location near the Kennedy Space Center, the museum also touches on the intersection of aviation and space exploration. Its location in Florida’s “Space Coast” allows visitors to experience both the history of military aviation and the legacy of American space missions.
- Special Exhibits:
- The Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum frequently hosts rotating exhibits, such as displays focusing on specific military operations, tributes to veterans, and partnerships with other aviation organizations.
Experience:
The Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum is a dynamic destination for aviation enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Its vast collection of meticulously restored aircraft and immersive exhibits provides a deep dive into the history of military aviation. The museum’s dedication to keeping many of its warbirds operational is particularly notable, as it allows visitors to witness the aircraft in action during airshows and special events.
Whether you’re interested in aviation technology, military history, or simply want to learn more about the courageous individuals who piloted these planes, the Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum offers an engaging and educational experience.
Photos Tom Warnock