Aircraft
WHAT TO EXPECT IN OUR HANGAR
Airworthy Warbirds are the foundation of the aircraft collection at the Tennessee Museum of Aviation. The 5500 ft runway of the Gatlinburg Pigeon Forge Airport (GKT) is located just outside the hangar door, making it possible for visitors to enjoy frequent flight demonstrations. Aviation history comes to life when these perfectly restored vintage aircraft start-up the powerful engines and throttle for take-off.
The Tennessee Museum of Aviation is said to be the only place in the country to house two airworthy P-47 Thunderbolts. There are less than a dozen World War II "Thunderbolts" currently flying in the world.
Since, most of the aircraft housed in the 35,000 sq ft hangar are airworthy, you never know what aircraft you might have an opportunity to see during your visit. A number of vintage aircraft stop by the museum for a quick visit or even a lengthy stay, making repeat visits a more interesting experience.
The aircraft hangar contains several airworthy aircraft; a large selection of vintage aircraft on static display; radial and jet engines; military vehicles; and various cockpits.
The following list of aircraft are frequently on display:
* 2 - Republic P-47D "Thunderbolt"
* 1 - Douglas A-1H "Skyraider"
* 1 - North American T-28 "Trojan"
* 1 - Beechcraft SNB
1 - Sikorsky UH-34G
1 - T-33
1 - F-86 Saberjet
2 - MiG 17
1 - MiG 21
1 - North American Rockwell OV-10 "Bronco"
(* Airworthy aircraft that fly on a regular basis)
Replica Aircraft
1 - Boeing P-12E
(Three-Quarter Scale)
1 - North American P-51D "Mustang"
(Full Scale)
1 - 1902 Wright Glider
(Full Scale)
1 - Bell 222 "Airwolf"
(Full Scale)
Cockpit Sections
1 - North American B-25 "Mitchell"
1 - Douglas A-4 "Skyhawk"
1 - F/A-18 "Hornet"
The following aircraft are in our restoration hangar:
Piasecki HUP-2 "Retriever"
Piasecki HUP-2 arrived in the fall of 2007
Volunteers (Ken and Tony) guide the HUP-2 as Neal slowly lifts it from the trailer.
Volunteers (Ken, Tony and Ray) steady the HUP-2 during the unloading process.
Years of neglect reveals much needed restoration
(More information on the HUP-2 will be provided at a later date.)
Cessna L-19 "Bird Dog"
(Built in 1951 - observation and liaison aircraft)
Cessna L-19 "Bird Dog" arrived early 2007
Some minor restoration has been started
(This aircraft will be restored to flying condition.)
Continental engine produced 213-hp -- max speed of 150mph
General Characteristics
- Crew: 2
- Length: 25 ft 9 in
- Wingspan: 36 ft 0 in
- Height: 7 ft 3½ in
- Wing area: 174 ft²
- Empty weight: 1,614 lb
- Max takeoff weight: 2,400 lb
- Powerplant: 1 × Continental O-470 series (213-hp)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 150 mph
- Range: 530 miles
- Service ceiling: 20,300 ft
- Rate of climb: 1,040 ft/min
(More information and photos on the Bird Dog will be provided at a later date.)
The routine annual inspection has been completed on the
Beechcraft SNB and is currently on display in the aircraft hangar
Back on display -- April 7, 2011
The maintenance / restoration hangar
is not accessible to the public.