Over 35 Aircraft outside!
Did you know that McClellan Air Force Base used to be a fighter modification and repair facility? Come visit our extensive fighter collection and more!
Fighters are especially interesting because they embody the utmost example of speed, power, and “glamour” of an aircraft. They are naturally the best examples of the most advanced technology of their time.
Our Top Picks
F-80 Shooting Star
Tech milestone: America’s 1st operational jet fighter, and 1st capable of exceed 500 mph in level flight. The type was first flown in 1944; AMC’s F-80 was delivered to USAF in January 1948. Originally, an air superiority fighter; however in Korea it was an effective fighter-bomber.
F-100D Super Sabre
F-102 Delta Dagger
F-86 Sabre
Swept wing MiG killer of Korean conflict which utilized captured German designs combined with advanced American research. The F-86 was the first US fighter capable of exceeding the speed of sound in a dive.
F-104B Star Fighter
Very advanced mid ‘50s aerodynamic design, mach 2+ air superiority interceptor. Top speed was limited by high air-friction skin temperatures, not lack of power or aerodynamic drag.
AMC’s F-104B is one of only 26 built. It served many years at NASA’s Flight Test Center at Edwards AFB, and was flown by many famous test pilot/ astronauts performing Space Shuttle training, and high speed “chase” for the exotic research aircraft such as the X-15.
C-53D Sky Trooper
F-4C Phantom II
A-10 Thunderbolt II
F-101 Voodoo
Get up Close & Personal
How long does it take to build an engine? How many people are involved in the design of an engine?
Our knowledgeable docents can teach you the history behind the engines, the evolution of their design and craftsmanship. Learn how all of these things informed aviation technology to this day. From the earliest piston engines to rocket engines, the Aerospace Museum of California is one of the few museums that allows you to get up close and personal with our engine artifacts. Touch and interact with these magnificent pieces of aviation and aerospace history.
Climb Into the pilot’s seat
come explore flight
MPH
Our Fastest Aircraft is the F-4C Phantom II, reaching speeds of 1600mph!
LBS
The Heaviest Aircraft in our collection is the Boeing 727 with a weight of 98,040 lbs!
LBS
Our Lightest Aircraft is the Rutan Model 54 Quickie with a weight of only 290 lbs!
Years
The Oldest Aircraft in our collection is the Douglas C-53D Skytrooper, dating from July 1943.
Come get inspired
Tickets
Purchase your tickets in advance and come on in for a day filled of exploration and inspiration!
Events
School Tours
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GROUP TOURS NOW AVAILABLE
Come learn the histories about our unique collection. Your guide will share the stories of our aviation and space artifacts and their individual histories.
