We spent three days exploring and admiring as many sites as possible in Washington, DC. Naturally, a good portion of our time was spent in the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum as well as its companion facility, the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. No long story to share, just a few select pictures. Enjoy!
I think I could have spent 3 full days at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum and 2 full days at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center which is a bus ride away near the Washington Dulles airport. Don’t miss out on the treasures stored at the Udvar-Hazy Center. It’s worth the bus ride.
SpaceShipOne holds a prominent place in the Smithsonian Air & Space museum.Four aircraft that set milestones in aviation hang over the entrance to the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum. From left to right: The Spirit of St. Louis, SpaceShipOne, Bell X-1, and North American X-15.The Spirit of St. LouisBell X-1. Chuck Yeager flew this aircraft when he became the first man to fly faster than the speed of sound.North American X-15. First winged aircraft to fly at mach 4, 5, and 6. It was also the first to reach altitudes well above 100,000 feet.The original Wright Flyer has been beautifully restored.The Lockheed SR-71 is one of the first things visitors see when entering the Smithsonian’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center.F4U-1D Corsair (foreground, right) and P-40E Kittyhawk (background, left)Space Shuttle EnterpriseThe HM.14 Pou de Ciel (Flying Flea) is dwarfed by the tail of the Boeing Stratoliner. It has a 2-cylinder 39 horsepower engine, and a top speed of 60 mph.Boeing B-29 – The Enola Gay. This airplane dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan.The N3N was used for flight training by the U.S. Navy in World War II.Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Arlington National Cemetery.Statue at the Vietnam War MemorialThe tomb guards have walked the same path over many years. The concrete is permanently marked with their footsteps.Arlington National Cemetery panoramaVietnam Veterans Memorial panorama
