Help Restore Two Historic Fighter-Bombers Back to their Former Glory!
The congressionally chartered, Smithsonian affiliated National Museum of Nuclear Science & History - a non-profit museum located in Albuquerque, New Mexico - is restoring two of its iconic fighter-bombers, the F-105D Thunderchief and A-7 Corsair II.
This dual restoration initiative is a special project within Operation Preservation, an ongoing campaign to repaint and refurbish the iconic aircraft in the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History's nine-acre outdoor exhibit area, Heritage Park.
Our museum's historic F-105D Thunderchief - a supersonic fighter-bomber that was sent to Germany to provide NATO nuclear retaliation capability during the depths of the Cold War - and the museum's A-7 Corsair II - one of the Navy's most capable attack aircraft that is also the only aircraft in the museum's collection to have ever flown in combat missions - have both experienced the ravages of the Southwestern weather, and we would like to ask for your support in paying for the surface preparation and painting of the exteriors of the two aircraft.
By bringing these important airplanes back to life, we hope to connect museum visitors with these pivotal pieces of Cold War history, and celebrate their many contributions to the United States Navy, United State Air Force, and to American history.
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The total restoration cost for both airplanes is expected to be $45,000. A little more than half will be paid by this Indiegogo project. The money raised in this campaign will be used for the cosmetic restoration of the fuselage and wings on both aircraft. That is, to purchase the paint ($460) per gallon and primer ($300 per gallon), prepare the airplanes' surfaces and then paint the fuselages and wings of both planes.
The reason why the primer and paint for this project are so expensive is the paint must last a long time. In the Southwest region of the United States, normal paint or even MilSpec paint is only good for 3-5 years. The NAPA premium automotive primer and finish we will use is guaranteed for 15-20 years. In addition, we must choose a paint and a color that is approved by the United States Air Force and other museum entities.
The F-105D will be the first aircraft to be repainted, receiving trim and insignia to look as it did when it was active in the 49th TFW in Germany as part of NATO. After its completion, focus will then move toward the A-7, repainting the surface to revive the paint colors of orange and grey that it currently displays. Restoration of both aircraft will begin in Spring of 2017 under the supervision of Brigadier General (Ret.) Jay Bledsoe, Restoration Project Manager, with the help from museum staff and volunteers.
With a quickly approaching target completion date for the restoration of both aircraft of August, 2017, we ask you to please consider becoming a member of the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History's F-105D Thunderchief and A-7 Corsair II Restoration Team by making a donation through Indiegogo! As a part of this support team, you will personally help in the preservation of these iconic airplanes.
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About the F-105D Thunderchief
When the Thunderchief entered service, it was the largest single-seat, single-engine combat aircraft in history, and it could exceed the speed of sound at sea level and reach Mach 2 at high altitude. Built by Republic Aviation – with a length of 64 feet and 4.75 inches and a wingspan of 34 feet and 11.25 inches – the F-105 conducted the majority of strike bombing missions during the early years of the Vietnam War. During the war, the single-seat F-105D was the primary aircraft delivering the heavy bomb loads against the various military targets.
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Restoration will begin this spring on the museum’s F-105D Thunderchief, serial number 61-0107, a supersonic fighter-bomber that was produced in 1962 by Republic Aviation, Farmingdale, NY, and was sent to the 49th Tactical Fighter Wing (TFW) in Germany to provide NATO nuclear retaliation capability during the depths of the Cold War.
(In the late 1960s, the Defense Budget began to be squeezed by the costs of the ongoing Vietnam War. Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara decided to reduce costs in Europe by "Dual Basing" United States military units in Europe by returning them permanently to the United States, and conducting annual deployment exercises in Europe, giving the units a NATO commitment for deployment to bases in Europe if tensions with the Soviet Union warranted an immediate military buildup.
The 49th Tactical Fighter Wing was returned to the United States under this policy, being reassigned on July 1, 1968, to Holloman AFB, New Mexico, to serve as the U.S. Air Force's first dual-based, NATO-committed wing. The 49th TFW is still stationed at Holloman AFB, New Mexico.)
After its use for pilot training in McConnell AFB, Kansas, and Nellis AFB, Nevada, it joined the Kansas Air National Guard at McConnell, AFB. It was later transferred to the Washington D.C. Air National Guard in 1979. It landed for the final time at Kirtland AFB, Albuquerque, NM, in 1981.
Kirtland AFB was only supposed to be a location for the aircraft to refuel on its way to the Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Center, or “Boneyard,” in Tucson, AZ, but complications prevented it from leaving Albuquerque. On its takeoff from Kirtland, it lost power and the pilot dropped an emergency hook from the back of the plane to catch the one-inch steel cable that stretched across the runway at the Albuquerque International Airport. The pilot was not injured, and after the aircraft was repaired, it was offered to the then National Atomic Museum for permanent display. It has now been a part of the museum’s collection for 35 years.
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The F-105D Thunderchief fighter being delivered to the National Atomic Museum in November, 1981.
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The F-105D Thunderchief fighter being mounted on pylon at the National Atomic Museum, Kirtland Air Force Base.
About the A-7 Corsair II
The A-7 was, from 1967 until 1992, one of the most cost effective and capable attack aircraft in the Navy’s inventory. The museum’s A-7 Corsair II is a TA-7C model; converted from a single seat A-7E to a two seat TA-7C in 1976. Built by Ling-Temco-Vought (LTV) Aerospace Corporation – with a length of 46 feet and 2 inches and a wingspan of 38 feet and 9 inches – a total of 1,569 A-7 aircraft were produced, fighting in both Vietnam and Iraq. Although they were not the fastest aircraft, they had a solid reputation with pilots as a reliable aircraft that could deliver weapons with great accuracy. It also holds the distinction of being the only single seat jet fighter-bomber that was designed, built and deployed into combat, all during the Vietnam War.
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The second aircraft to receive restoration attention this spring and summer will be the museum’s A-7 Corsair II, Bureau Number 154-407, the only aircraft in the museum’s collection to have ever flown in combat missions. This Navy carrier fighter-bomber was built in 1968, and in its first eight years in service, the aircraft saw numerous cruises including several Vietnam deployments. Within this timeframe, it had 3,338 flight hours and 731 carrier launches and landings.
This aircraft was modified and upgraded over the next few years, stationed at two different Naval Air Stations where it was continually involved in flight test work until its aircraft lifetime expired. During its service, it was instrumental in training pilots in nuclear weapons delivery tactics and in developing and testing weapons for weapon delivery. Its last flight was to Albuquerque where it was used for parts and training, having accumulated 5,796.6 flight hours. It joined the museum’s collection in 1992.
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The A-7 Corsair II, TA-7C, being towed from the Naval Weapons Evaluation Facility, Kirtland Air Force Base to the National Atomic Museum in 1992.
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The A-7 Corsair II being towed to the National Atomic Museum in 1992, by AE3 Robert R. Moore and AO3 Joe J. DeLacerda, from the Naval Weapons Evaluation Facility, Kirtland Air Force Base.
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Vought Aircraft Company Technical Representative Sal Lombardi with Naval Weapons Evaluation Facility personnel, AOC Kenneth A. Hobbs, AMS3 Charles K. Stacy, AE3 Robert R. Moore and AO3 Joe J. DeLacerda in front of the A-7 Corsair II at the National Atomic Museum.
Who We Are
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The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History is a Smithsonian Affiliate and is the nation's only congressionally chartered museum in its field. The Museum is nationally accredited through the American Alliance of Museum and is also a member of the Association of Science-Technology Centers. The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History was established in 1969 as an intriguing place to learn the story of the Atomic Age, from early research of nuclear development through today’s peaceful uses of nuclear technology. The Museum strives to present, through permanent and changing exhibits and displays, the diverse applications of nuclear energy in the past, present and future along with the stories of the field’s pioneers.
This 30,000-sq-ft building and nine-acre outdoor exhibit area display artifacts from Geiger counters, historic medical devices and items from the Manhattan Project to vintage comic books, nostalgic toys and a B-29 Superfortress. The major interior exhibits include Nano, Pioneers of the Atom, Trinity and its Legacy, Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the Cold War, Energy Encounter, Nuclear Medicine, Radiation 101 and more. The Museum also hosts Little Albert’s Lab, an area where young, inquisitive minds can explore hands-on science activities.
Heritage Park, the Museum’s nine-acre outdoor exhibit area, is one of the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History’s most popular attractions. With its B-52B Stratofortress, B-29 Superfortress, B-47 Stratojet, F-105D Thunderchief, A-7 Corsair II and F-16 Fighting Falcon, the Museum’s collection is the largest aircraft collection for public viewing in the state of New Mexico.
The Museum’s mission is “to serve as America’s resource for nuclear history and science. The Museum presents exhibits and quality educational programs that convey the diversity of individuals and events that shape the historical and technical context of the nuclear age.” It is truly a place to learn, to imagine, to think and to draw your own conclusions.
Our Success Stories
B-52B Stratofortress
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Our museum's B-52B Stratofortress before restoration.
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Our museum's B-52B Stratorfortress after restoration.
The most current example of the museum's aircraft restoration work can be seen in last year's Operation Preservation project that involved restoring our B-52B Stratofortress s/n 52-0013, one of only a few B-models left in existence and one of only four in the world on display for public viewing. Restoration of the B-52B began in April of 2016 under the supervision of Restoration Project Coordinator, Major Jerry Hanks, USMC (Retired), with help from Museum staff and volunteers and was funded by donations received from supporters and entities with personal ties to the Museum and the historic aircraft. The Museum also successfully raised over $120,000 through multiple initiatives, including an Indiegogo campaign, special events and generous support from donors and organizations.
Restoration included the B-52B receiving bodywork and a new coat of primer and paint. Completion of this outdoor exhibit for visitor viewing took place in September 2016. The Museum held a dedication ceremony on Thursday, October 13, 2016, where dignitaries were present to publicly acknowledge the legacy and historical significance of the B-52B Stratofortress.
B-29 Superfortress
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Our museum's B-29 Superfortress before Restoration.
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Our museum's B-29 Superfortress after restoration.
The museum successfully restored its B-29 Superfortress, one of only 17 complete aircraft of its kind left in existence, in the fall of 2015. Restoration of the B-29 began in April of 2015 under the supervision of Restoration Project Coordinator, Major Jerry Hanks, USMC (Retired), with help from Museum staff and volunteers and was funded by donations received from supporters and entities with personal ties to the Museum and the historic aircraft. The Museum also successfully raised over $44,000 (part of the overall cost of $110,000 needed) through a Kickstarter campaign to pay for paint and primer.
Restoration included the B-29 receiving a new coat of primer and paint, bodywork to the aircraft, new cockpit windows and the vintage 509th Wing of the Strategic Air Command paint and trim.
The Museum held a dedication ceremony on Tuesday, August 11, 2015, where dignitaries were present to publicly acknowledge the legacy and historical significance of the B-29 Superfortress.
F-16 Fighting Falcon
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Our museum's F-16 Fighting Falcon before restoration.
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Our museum's F-16 Fighting Falcon after restoration.
The museum successfully restored its F-16 Fighting Falcon in the fall of 2014. F-16 Fighting Falcons were flown by the ‘The TACOS’, the New Mexico Air National Guard 150th Fighter Wing. It was rescued from the Sandia National Laboratories Rocket Sled Track and restored for static display. The restoration included the TACO trim and tail insignia to acknowledge the 50+ year legacy and historical significance of the TACOS. The restoration even included lighting the aircraft's navigation, vertical tail illumination and landing lights.
Restoration of this iconic aircraft was supervised by Restoration Project Coordinator, Major Jerry Hanks, USMC (Retired), and was completed with the help of volunteers from Sandia National Laboratories, Kirtland Air Force Base, Museum volunteers and members of the CNM Aviation Maintenance Technology program and Service-Learning program.
The Museum held a dedication ceremony for the newly restored F-16 on November 5, 2014. U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich; U.S. Senator Tom Udall; and Brigadier General Andrew Salas, Adjutant General for the New Mexico Air National Guard were present to publicly acknowledge the restoration as well as the legacy and historical significance of the TACOS.
USS James K. Polk Submarine Sail
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Our museum's submarine sail during restoration.
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Our museum's submarine sail after restoration.
The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History successfully completed the restoration of the iconic USS James K. Polk SSN 645 nuclear submarine sail in the fall of 2014.
This truly historic object, measuring 30 feet high by nine feet wide and weighing 53 tons, was acquired by the Museum in 1999, and restoration began in the spring of 2014. Named after the 11th president of the United States, the USS James K. Polk was commissioned as SSBN 645 in 1966. The James K Polk was later converted into an attack submarine and re-designated SSN 645, making for an illustrious 33-year career.
Under the supervision of Frank Fernando, retired Process Engineer from Intel, and with help from Museum staff, volunteers and various partners, the submarine exhibit was a hub of activity throughout the summer of 2014. The completed submarine sail is now on permanent display in the Museum’s Heritage Park.
The Excitement
"Every piece of hardware in Heritage Park speaks to the monumental effort put forth by the soldiers, engineers, and scientists who were on the front lines and yet behind the scenes of the Cold War. Preserving these artifacts is a way to honor their sacrifices and keep their stories alive." - Museum Volunteer - J. Christopher Krok, PhD
"The museum's F-105 and A-7 fighter bombers honor the role of numerous military organizations and people. Representing Air Force, Navy and NATO exhibits during the Cold War, these aircraft enrich our story of valor and sacrifice by military professionals. The Cold War was a time when Americans looked to our military for capability and competence in defense of our nation. We hope to restore these two iconic aircraft to delight our many visitors." - Museum Executive Director, Jim Walther
"They represent a time when our lack of technological superiority was overcome with dedication and just plain courage." - Restoration Project Manager, Brigadier General (Ret.) Jay Bledsoe
Your Support, Our Gratitude
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The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History staff, board of trustees and volunteers all passionately believe in the mission of our museum, and we know its past and future success depends on the generosity of our donors, volunteers and supporters. Our heartfelt thanks go out to all of you.
Operation Preservation, The Campaign to Restore the Planes in Heritage Park is a massive undertaking, with the F-105D Thunderchief and the A-7 Corsair II being only two of the six aircraft needing to be restored. It would be impossible for the Museum to consider such a project without the confidence that generous donors will supply the bulk of the funding, and generous volunteers will supply the thousands of man-hours necessary to restore each aircraft.
Thank you all.
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