The Musée Aéronautique d’Orange (Aerospace Museum of Orange) is located in Orange in southern France. This museum is dedicated to aviation history, with a particular focus on the aircraft used by the French Air Force and other aviation-related topics, including the development of aeronautics over the years.

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Musée Aéronautique d’Orange

Les Amis de la 5eme Escader de Chasse

84100 Avenue de la Grèce

Orange

France

www.musee-a5e.com

tourniare.c@wanadoo.fr

+33 6 11 69 53 13

Opening Hours: The museum typically operates year-round, with longer hours during the summer months. It’s best to check the museum’s website for specific opening hours and any changes to the schedule.

Monday – Saturday 10:00 – 12:00, 14:00 – 17:00

Admission fee

The museum is located in Orange, a town in the Vaucluse department, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region of southern France. Orange is easily accessible by car from cities like Avignon, Marseille, and Nîmes.

Aircraft collection

186 55 37 153 231/GS 241/DK 43 222/13-FF 495/3-XL 508 526/13-QU 363/33-TL 54/CA BA43 520/5-OS 19/5-NE 349/116-BM 103/33-FU 636/118-NL 238/33-FN 52/10-LF 28/5-NT 53/5-OF J-1183 U-1227 438/312-UW MM6283/2-23 349 409/5-MD 12 J-4063 21009 5/44-CA 4406 0906 91/316-DM 35577/33-CK A149/7-HP E7/11-EC 358/30-FM 01 8

Aerospatiale SA321GV Super Frelon Brequet Br1050 Alize Dassault Etendard 4M Dassault Etendard 4P Dassault Mirage 3B “1996” Dassault Mirage 3B-RV Dassault Mirage 3C Dassault Mirage 3C Dassault Mirage 3E Dassault Mirage 3E Dassault Mirage 3E Dassault Mirage 3RD Dassault Mirage 4P Dassault Mirage 5BA Dassault Mirage 2000B Dassault Mirage 2000C Dassault Mirage 2000N Dassault Mirage F1C Dassault Mirage F1CR Dassault Mirage F1CT Dassault Mystere 2 Dassault Mystere IVA Dassault Super Mystere B2 de Havilland Vampire FB.6 de Havilland Vampire T.55 Embraer EMB312F Tucano Fiat G-91R/1 Fouga CM170 Maqister Fouga CM170 Maqister Fouga CM175 Zephyr Hawker Hunter F.58 Lockheed T-33A Max Holste MH.1521 Broussard Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-21 Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-21PFM Morane Saulnier MS.760 Paris Republic RF-84F Thunderflash SEPECAT Jaguar A SEPECAT Jaguar E Sud Aviation Vautour 2N Vought F-8A Crusader Vought F-8P Crusader

Key Highlights of the Musée Aéronautique d’Orange:

1. Diverse Collection of Aircraft:
   • The museum showcases a wide variety of military and civilian aircraft, reflecting different eras of aviation history. It features planes used by the French Air Force as well as other historic models.
   • Some of the notable aircraft on display include:
     • Mirage III: A supersonic jet fighter used extensively by the French Air Force and several other countries.
     • Nord 1000: A French transport aircraft used in the post-World War II period.
     • T-33: A jet trainer originally developed by the United States but widely used by French and other air forces.
     • Cessna 172: A light, small plane used for training and general aviation purposes.
   • The museum’s collection also includes military planes, helicopters, and various types of experimental aircraft.
2. Focus on the French Air Force:
   • The Musée Aéronautique d’Orange highlights the role of the French Air Force in aviation history, with exhibits detailing the evolution of its aircraft, training programs, and missions.
   • The Mirage series of aircraft, in particular, is well-represented. The Mirage III and Mirage 2000 are two of the most important and iconic aircraft in the history of the French Air Force, and they feature prominently in the museum’s displays.
   • The museum also focuses on the development and technological innovations in military aviation, from the early jet age to modern supersonic fighters.
3. Aircraft Restoration:
   • The restoration of aircraft is a major focus at the museum. Many of the planes on display have been restored by aviation enthusiasts and museum volunteers, ensuring that these historic machines remain in excellent condition for future generations.
   • The museum often features aircraft restoration workshops, allowing visitors to observe the painstaking process of bringing old planes back to life and learn more about the technical aspects of aircraft maintenance.
4. Historical Exhibits and Documents:
   • In addition to aircraft, the Musée Aéronautique d’Orange also houses a wealth of historical documents, including photographs, posters, and personal accounts that showcase the history of aviation and air combat. These artifacts provide valuable context to the aircraft on display.
   • The exhibits also cover the role of aviation during World War II, the Cold War, and other conflicts, demonstrating the evolving role of air forces in military strategy.
5. Educational Programs and Activities:
   • The Musée Aéronautique d’Orange is dedicated to promoting aviation education and offers various programs for school groups, families, and aviation enthusiasts. These educational initiatives often include guided tours, workshops, and interactive activities that explain the principles of flight and the history of aviation.
   • Special children’s activities are often available, aimed at sparking interest in aviation among younger visitors.
   • The museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions that focus on specific themes within aviation. These might include exhibitions about a particular type of aircraft, a notable aviator, or a key period in aviation history.
   • These exhibitions provide visitors with the opportunity to explore more focused aspects of aviation, offering deeper insights into the subjects being highlighted.
   • The Musée Aéronautique d’Orange itself is situated in an open-air setting, with many aircraft displayed outdoors, giving visitors a chance to see the planes up close.

Conclusion:

The Musée Aéronautique d’Orange offers an engaging experience for aviation enthusiasts, history buffs, and families. With its impressive collection of military aircraft, its focus on the French Air Force, and its commitment to aviation preservation and education, the museum provides an excellent opportunity to learn about the history of flight and air combat.

Photos Rob Vogelaar