Inventions & Discoveries
Throughout aviation and aerospace history, inventions and discoveries paved the way for advancements in aeronautics.
SR-71 "Blackbird"
At the height of the Cold War in the early 1960s, the United States needed a new reconnaissance aircraft that could not be downed by enemy fire. Legendary aircraft designer, Kelly Johnson, and the Lockheed Skunk Works division took on the challenge. According to Johnson, “Everything had to be invented. Everything.”
SR-71 Cockpit CheckoutFrontiers of Flight Museum
Cockpit orientation by SR-71 "Blackbird" pilot Col. Richard Graham in the Museum's simulator.
SR-71 J58 Engine Tour (2013-01-27) by Johnston, ErikFrontiers of Flight Museum
J58 engine walkaround with SR-71 pilot, Col. Richard Graham.
Polar Explorer, Adm. Richard E. Byrd
An avid adventurer, Adm. Richard E. Byrd led and participated in expeditions to the North and South Poles in the late 1920s. The Museum is home to many artifacts from his expeditions. A pioneering aviator, Byrd's accomplishments include the first to fly across the South Pole in 1929.
Ford Trimotor Model at Frontiers of Flight MuseumFrontiers of Flight Museum
Building the "Floyd Bennett" Ford Tri-Motor scale model.
Apollo 7 Command Module
The first manned flight in the Apollo Space Program, Apollo 7 launched into low Earth orbit on October 11, 1968. With a primary mission of testing spacecraft systems, Apollo 7 paved the way for Neil Armstrong's first steps on the Moon aboard Apollo 11.
Apollo 7 Launch CBS coverage (1968-10-11) by CBS Television Broadcasting CompanyFrontiers of Flight Museum
Liftoff of Apollo 7, October 11, 1968.
Precision Strike Weapons
Technological innovations in precision strike weapons continue to change the manner in which military commanders conduct warfare.
USS Arleigh Burke launches Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles to combat ISILFrontiers of Flight Museum
Tomahawk cruise missiles launch from U.S. Naval ships. Visitors to the Museum have the opportunity to view this innovative missile.
Innovative Aircraft
From the Wright Brothers first flight in 1903 to present day, innovations and discoveries in aircraft design and performance continue to advance aviation.
Special thanks to all who contributed to the Inventions and Discoveries Exhibit.
Kent Harraid, Collections Database Manager
Bob Welch, Curator
Col. Richard Graham, SR-71 Pilot
Erik Johnston, Veteran Tales Project
FOFM Model Shop Volunteers
U.S. Navy
