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53-542: The museum was established in 1959, in a warehouse using items initially collected for a recruiting exhibit. A main building opened in 1976, and in 1987, an open-air pavilion was opened for aviation exhibits. The buildings, built at a total cost of US$ 765,000, and other capital improvements are funded by the Army Transportation Museum Foundation (ATMF). Since the foundation is prohibited by law from obtaining state or federal grants, private donations are

106-459: A World War I bomber would be a Handley Page O/400 . Bombers include light bombers , medium bombers , heavy bombers , dive bombers , and torpedo bombers . Attack aircraft can be used to provide support for friendly ground troops. Some are able to carry conventional or nuclear weapons far behind enemy lines to strike priority ground targets. Attack helicopters attack enemy armor and provide close air support for ground troops. An example of

159-557: A decisive contribution until the Germans introduced Blitzkrieg during the Invasion of Poland and Battle of France , where aircraft functioned as mobile flying artillery to quickly disrupt defensive formations. The Allies would later use rocket-equipped fighters in the same role, immobilizing German armored divisions during the Battle of Normandy and afterwards. World War I also saw the creation of

212-850: A handful of lighter-than-air military aircraft were used since, such as the American Blimp MZ-3 , used for research and development by the U.S. Navy from 2006 to 2017. Soon after the first flight of the Wright Flyer , several militaries became interested in powered aircraft. In 1909 the United States Army purchased the Wright Military Flyer , a two-seat observation aircraft, for the Aeronautical Division, U.S. Signal Corps . It served until 1911, by which time powered aircraft had become an important feature in several armies around

265-456: A high altitude, the radars on the aircraft allow the operators to distinguish between friendly and hostile aircraft hundreds of miles away. AEW&C aircraft are used for both defensive and offensive air operations, and are to the NATO and American trained or integrated air forces what the combat information center is to a naval vessel , plus a highly mobile and powerful radar platform. The system

318-592: A historical ground-attack aircraft is the Soviet Ilyushin Il-2 . Several types of transport airplanes have been armed with sideways firing weapons as gunships for ground attack. These include the AC-47 and AC-130 gunships. An electronic warfare aircraft is a military aircraft equipped for electronic warfare , i.e. degrading the effectiveness of enemy radar and radio systems. They are generally modified versions of other preexisting aircraft. A recent example would be

371-460: A large diorama with the gun truck Eve of Destruction (believed the only surviving Vietnam era gun truck, and named after a protest song ), an exhibit depicting a downed UH-1 Iroquois in a rice paddy, as well as bicycles used by the Viet Cong . The museum has an extensive collection of gun truck images, organised by the truck name, which are also on the museum's web site. Outdoor exhibits include

424-545: A major role in winning the Battle of the Atlantic . Aircraft also played a much expanded role, with many notable engagements being decided solely through the use of military aircraft, such as the Battle of Britain or the attack on Pearl Harbor , and the conclusion of the Pacific War against Japan was marked by two lone aircraft dropping the atomic bombs , devastating the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki . The introduction of

477-674: A military transport aircraft a "cargo plane" is inaccurate, because military transport planes are able to carry paratroopers and other personnel. An airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) system is an airborne radar system designed to detect aircraft, ships and ground vehicles at long ranges and control and command the battle space in an air engagement by directing fighter and attack aircraft strikes. AEW&C units are also used to carry out surveillance, including over ground targets and frequently perform C2BM (command and control, battle management) functions similar to an Airport Traffic Controller given military command over other forces. Used at

530-552: A nation's armed forces may use aviation ( naval aviation and army aviation ), in addition to or instead of, a dedicated air force. In some cases, this includes coast guard services that are also an armed service, as well as gendarmeries and equivalent forces. Military aircraft A military aircraft is any fixed-wing or rotary-wing aircraft that is operated by a legal or insurrectionary military of any type. Some military aircraft engage directly in aerial warfare , while others take on support roles: In 1783, when

583-520: A possibility, and airplanes were deployed from aircraft carriers . Airplanes also took on a greater variety of support roles, notably medical evacuation , and deployed new weapons like air-to-air rockets for use against reconnaissance balloons. Aviation technology advanced rapidly in the interwar period, and military aircraft became increasingly capable. Autogyros and helicopters were also developed at this time. During World War II, military aviation reached new heights. Decisive air battles influenced

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636-621: A remote operator. They may have varying degrees of autonomy . UCAVs are often armed with bombs , air-to-surface missiles , or other aircraft ordinance . Their uses typically include targeted killings , precision airstrikes , and air interdictions , as well as other forms of drone warfare . Non-combat roles of military aircraft include search and rescue , reconnaissance , observation/surveillance , Airborne Early Warning and Control , transport , training , and aerial refueling . Many civil aircraft, both fixed wing and rotary wing, have been produced in separate models for military use, such as

689-532: A single engine and require one pilot to operate, while others have two or more engines and require crews of two or more. A limited number of bombers, such as the B-2 Spirit , have stealth capabilities that keep them from being detected by enemy radar. An example of a conventional modern bomber would be the B-52 Stratofortress . An example of a World War II bomber would be a B-17 Flying Fortress . An example of

742-680: A variety of weapons, including machine guns, autocannons, rockets , guided missiles, and bombs . Many modern fighters can attack enemy fighters from a great distance, before the enemy even sees or detects them. Examples of such fighters include the F-35 Lightning II , F-22 Raptor , F-15 Eagle , and Su-27 . Bombers are normally larger, heavier, and less maneuverable than fighter aircraft. They are capable of carrying large payloads of bombs, torpedoes or cruise missiles. Bombers are used almost exclusively for ground attacks and are not fast or agile enough to take on enemy fighters head-to-head. Some have

795-456: A vertical take-off/landing plane. An unrestored Avrocar is kept in storage. The rail section has several significant artifacts including the railway cars used in the Berlin duty train as well as standard issue tank switchers, and a collection of typical rolling stock including cranes, freight cars and maintenance of way equipment. Since the museum is on an active military installation, a check-in at

848-662: Is the branch of a nation's armed forces that is responsible for aerial warfare as distinct from the army , navy , or other branches. Most nations either maintain an air force or, in the case of smaller and less well-developed countries, an air wing (see List of air forces ). Air forces are usually tasked with the air defense of a country, as well as strategic bombing, interdiction, close air support, intelligence gathering, battlespace management, transport functions, and providing services to civil government agencies. Air force operations may also include space-based operations such as reconnaissance or satellite operations. Other branches of

901-985: Is the name of a specific system currently used by NATO and the USAF and is often used in error to describe similar systems. Reconnaissance aircraft are primarily used to gather intelligence. They are equipped with cameras and other sensors. These aircraft may be specially designed or may be modified from a basic fighter or bomber type. This role is increasingly being filled by military satellites and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Surveillance and observation aircraft use radar and other sensors for battlefield surveillance, airspace surveillance , maritime patrol , and artillery spotting . They include modified civil aircraft designs, moored balloons and UAVs. Experimental aircraft are designed in order to test advanced aerodynamic, structural, avionic, or propulsion concepts. These are usually well instrumented, with performance data telemetered on radio-frequency data links to ground stations located at

954-584: Is used offensively to direct fighters to their target locations, and defensively in order to counterattacks by enemy forces, both air and ground. So useful is the advantage of command and control from a high altitude, the United States Navy operates AEW&C aircraft off its Supercarriers to augment and protect its carrier combat information center (CICs). AEW&C is also known by the older terms "airborne early warning" (AEW) and "airborne warning and control system" (AWACS, /ˈeɪwæks/ ay-waks) although AWACS

1007-670: The Battle of Fleurus in 1794, the French observation balloon l'Entreprenant was used to monitor Austrian troop movements. The use of lighter-than-air aircraft in warfare became prevalent in the 19th century, including regular use in the American Civil War . Lighter-than-air military aviation persisted until shortly after World War II , gradually being withdrawn from various roles as heavier-than-air aircraft improved. Heavier-than-air aircraft were recognized as having military applications early on, despite resistance from traditionalists and

1060-586: The Boeing P-8 Poseidon , which is based on the Boeing 737-800 airliner. While the term maritime patrol aircraft generally refers to fixed wing aircraft, other aircraft types, such as blimps and helicopters, have also been used in the same roles. Many combat aircraft in the modern day have multirole capabilities. Normally only applied to fixed-wing aircraft, the term signifies the ability to transition between air-to-air and air-to-ground roles, sometimes even during

1113-607: The EA-18G Growler , which is a modified version of the F/A-18F Super Hornet . A maritime patrol aircraft is a fixed-wing military aircraft designed to operate for long durations over water in maritime patrol roles—in particular anti-submarine , anti-ship , and search and rescue . Some patrol aircraft were designed for this purpose, like the Kawasaki P-1 . Many others are modified designs of pre-existing aircraft, such as

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1166-575: The Franco-Prussian War , for observation and propaganda distribution. During World War I , German Zeppelin airships carried out multiple air raids on British cities, as well as being used for observation. In the 1920s, the U.S. Navy acquired several non-rigid airships , the first one to see service being the K-1 in 1931. Use by the U.S. as well as other countries continued into World War II . The U.S. Navy retired its last balloons in 1963. Only

1219-662: The Gulf War . Airborne Early Warning provides advance warning of enemy activities to reduce the chance of being surprised. Many also have command functions that allow them to direct or vector friendly fighters onto incoming bogeys. Bombers are capable of carrying large payloads of bombs and may sacrifice speed or maneuverability to maximize payload. Experimental aircraft are designed to test advanced aerodynamic, structural, avionic, or propulsion concepts. These are usually well instrumented, with performance data telemetered on radio-frequency data links to ground stations located at

1272-684: The Hawker Siddeley Nimrod and the S-3 Viking that are often equipped to attack with anti-ship missiles and anti-submarine weapons . The primary role of fighters is destroying enemy aircraft in air-to-air combat, as part of both offensive and defensive counter air operations. Many fighters also possess a degree of ground attack capability, allowing them to perform surface attack and close air support missions. In addition to their counter air duties they are tasked to perform escort mission for bombers or other aircraft. Fighters are capable of carrying

1325-469: The Red Ball Express , the massive supply operation that supported Patton 's advance after D-Day . The exhibit includes photos and paintings of the trucks as well as a diorama of a rest stop/repair depot featuring cargo trucks and a wrecker. Additional materials address the massive fuel and oil consumption needs as well as soldier experiences. The museum has an extensive Vietnam War exhibit, including

1378-578: The jet engine , radar , early missiles , helicopters , and computers are World War II advancements which are felt to the present day. Post World War II, the development of military aviation was spurred by the Cold War stand-off between the super-powers. The helicopter appeared late in World War II and matured into an indispensable part of military aviation, transporting troops and providing expanded anti-submarine capabilities to smaller warships, negating

1431-479: The 1970s and saw combat in the 1980s. Combat aircraft, or "warplanes", are divided broadly into fighters , bombers , attackers , electronic warfare , maritime , multirole , and unmanned aircraft. Variations exist between them, including fighter-bombers , such as the MiG-23 ground-attack aircraft and the Soviet Ilyushin Il-2 . Also included among combat aircraft are long-range maritime patrol aircraft , such as

1484-781: The KC-135, KC-46, KC-767, A310 MRTT, and the KC-130J. These aircraft are a part of many countries' militant assets. Training aircraft are used to train recruits to fly aircraft and to provide additional training for specialized roles such as in air combat. Transport aircraft transport troops and supplies. Cargo can be on pallets for quick unloading. Cargo, and personnel may also be discharged from flying aircraft on parachutes . Also included in this category are aerial tankers, which can refuel other aircraft while in flight . Helicopters and gliders can transport troops and supplies to areas where other aircraft would be unable to land. An air force

1537-548: The building of new carriers. During World War II, U-boats threatened the ability of the Allies to transport troops and war materiel to Europe, spurring the development of very long range Maritime patrol aircraft, whose capability of independently detecting and destroying submerged submarines was greatly increased with new detection systems, including sonobuoys , Leigh Lights , and radar , along with better weapons including homing torpedoes and improved depth charges . This played

1590-525: The capabilities of both a fighter or a bomber, depending on what the mission calls for. Reconnaissance aircraft and scout helicopters are primarily used to gather intelligence. They are equipped with photographic, infrared, radar, and television sensors. This role is increasingly being filled by spy satellites and unmanned aerial vehicles . Refueling aircraft are used to refuel fighters and reconnaissance aircraft, extending mission reach and flying range. These aircraft include but are not limited to

1643-817: The civilian Douglas DC-3 airliner, which became the military C-47 Skytrain , and British "Dakota" transport planes, and decades later, the USAF's AC-47 Spooky gunships. Even the fabric-covered two-seat Piper J-3 Cub had a military version. Gliders and balloons have also been used as military aircraft; for example, balloons were used for observation during the American Civil War and during World War I , and military gliders were used during World War II to deliver ground troops in airborne assaults . Military transport (logistics) aircraft are primarily used to transport troops and war supplies. Cargo can be attached to pallets, which are easily loaded, secured for flight, and quickly unloaded for delivery. Cargo also may be discharged from flying aircraft on parachutes , eliminating

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1696-470: The early 1960s, missiles were expected to replace manned interceptors and the guns in other manned aircraft. They failed to live up to expectations as surface-to-air missiles lacked flexibility and were not as effective as manned interceptors, and fighters equipped only with air-to-air missiles had limited effectiveness against opposing aircraft which could avoid being hit. Missiles were also expensive, especially against low-value ground targets. The 1970s saw

1749-589: The end of World War I , military aviation had rapidly embraced many specialized roles, such as artillery spotting, air superiority, bombing, ground attack, and anti-submarine patrols. Technological improvements were made at a frenzied pace, and the first all-metal cantilevered airplanes were going into service as the war ended. Between the major world wars incremental improvements made in many areas, especially powerplants, aerodynamics, structures, and weapons, led to an even more rapid advance in aircraft technology during World War II, with large performance increases and

1802-542: The first practical aircraft (hot-air and hydrogen balloons) were established, they were quickly adopted for military duties. The first military balloon unit was the French Aerostatic Corps , who in 1794 flew an observation balloon during the Battle of Fleurus , the first major battle to feature aerial observation. Balloons continued to be used throughout the 19th century, including in the Napoleonic Wars and

1855-505: The first strategic bomber units, however, they wouldn't be tested until the Spanish Civil War where the perceived effects of mass bombardment would encourage their widespread use during World War II. Carrier aviation also first appeared during World War I, and likewise came to play a major role during World War II, with most major navies recognizing the aircraft carrier's advantages over the battleship and devoting massive resources to

1908-587: The guard station, a possible vehicle search, and a visitor's pass are required (driver's license, car insurance and car registration, citizens of other nations need their passport). The museum has a gift shop, and a reference library where research may be undertaken with advance request. The museum's hours of operation are 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday-Saturday. 37°09′54″N 76°34′32″W  /  37.1650°N 76.5756°W  / 37.1650; -76.5756 Military aviation Military aviation comprises military aircraft and other flying machines for

1961-551: The introduction of aircraft into new roles, including Airborne Early Warning , electronic warfare , weather reconnaissance , and flying lifeboats. Great Britain used aircraft to suppress revolts throughout the Empire during the interwar period and introduced the first military transports , which revolutionized logistics , allowing troops and supplies to be quickly delivered over vastly greater distances. While they first appeared during World War I, ground attack aircraft didn't provide

2014-413: The museum building include representative transportation-related materials, presented in a series of dioramas in chronological order. Outside (see map, below) there is a vehicle yard to the south, with road vehicles, amphibious craft, and the aircraft pavilion, and a rail exhibit to the north. Although material is presented on 18th- and 19th-century topics, over half the indoor exhibit space and almost all of

2067-611: The need for landing. Also included in this category are aerial tankers ; these planes can refuel other aircraft while in flight . An example of a transport aircraft is the C-17 Globemaster III . A World War II example would be the C-47 . An example of a tanker craft would be the KC-135 Stratotanker . Transport helicopters and gliders can transport troops and supplies to areas where other aircraft would be unable to land. Calling

2120-754: The need for large numbers of small carriers. The need to out-perform opponents pushed new technology and aircraft developments in the U.S.S.R. and the United States , among others, and the Korean War and the Vietnam War tested the resulting designs. Incredible advances in electronics were made, starting with the first electronic computers during World War II and steadily expanding from its original role of cryptography into communications, data processing, reconnaissance, remotely piloted aircraft, and many other roles until it has become an integral aspect of modern warfare. In

2173-607: The only funding source. The museum reflects the history of the Army, especially of the United States Army Transportation Corps , and includes close to 100 military vehicles such as aircraft, wheeled vehicles, watercraft and rolling stock, including stock from the Fort Eustis Military Railroad . It is officially dedicated to General Frank S. Besson, Jr. , who was the first four-star general to lead

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2226-626: The outcome of the war, early jet aircraft flew combat missions, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles were deployed for the first time, airborne troops and cargo parachuted into battle, and the nuclear weapons that ended the war were delivered by air. In the Cold War era, aviation technology continued to advance at an extremely rapid pace. Jet aircraft exceeded Mach 1 and Mach 2, armament focus switched mainly to missiles, aircraft began carrying more sophisticated avionics, air-to-air refueling matured into practicality, and transport aircraft grew in size. Stealth aircraft entered development during

2279-512: The outdoor exhibits are 20th-century- related. Early truck developments are given coverage with the Mexican Punitive Expedition , Liberty truck , and Transcontinental Motor Convoy exhibits. The extensive Liberty Truck exhibit covers the development and production of the Army's first standardized truck design, a 5-ton cargo hauler produced using interchangeable parts. Also included are letters from soldiers about their experiences with

2332-516: The purposes of conducting or enabling aerial warfare , including national airlift ( air cargo ) capacity to provide logistical supply to forces stationed in a war theater or along a front . Airpower includes the national means of conducting such warfare, including the intersection of transport and warcraft. Military aircraft include bombers , fighters , transports , trainer aircraft , and reconnaissance aircraft . The first military uses of aviation involved lighter-than-air balloons. During

2385-442: The return of the gun-armed fighter, and a greater emphasis on maneuverability. The 1980s through to the present day were characterized by stealth technology and other countermeasures. Today, a country's military aviation forces are often the first line of defense against an attack, or the first forces to attack the enemy, and effective military aviation forces (or lack thereof) have proved decisive in several recent conflicts such as

2438-685: The same mission. An example of a multirole design is the F-15E Strike Eagle , Eurofighter Typhoon , the Rafale Dassault and Panavia Tornado . A World War II example would be the P-38 Lightning . A utility helicopter could also count as a multirole aircraft and can fill roles such as close-air support , air assault , military logistics , CASEVAC , medical evacuation , command and control , and troop transport . Unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAV) have no crew, but are controlled by

2491-571: The severe limitations of early aircraft. The U.S. Army Signal Corps purchased a Wright Model A on 2 August 1909 which became the first military aircraft in history. In 1911, the Italians used a variety of aircraft types in reconnaissance, photo-reconnaissance, and bombing roles during the Italo-Turkish War . On October 23, 1911, an Italian pilot, Captain Carlo Piazza, flew over Turkish lines on

2544-1008: The test ranges where they are flown. Fighters establish and maintain air superiority . Speed and maneuverability are usually requirements and they carry a variety of weapons, including machine guns and guided missiles, to do this. Forward Air Control directs close air support aircraft to ensure that the intended targets are nullified and friendly troops remain uninjured. Ground-attack aircraft support ground troops by weakening or nullifying enemy defenses. Helicopter gunships and specialized ground attack aircraft attack enemy armor or troops and provide close air support for ground troops. Liaison aircraft are usually small, unarmed aircraft used to deliver messages and key personnel. Maritime Patrol Aircraft are used to control sea-lanes, and are often equipped with special electronic gear for detecting and sinking submarines, such as sonar. They are also used for search and rescue missions and fisheries patrols. Multirole combat aircraft combine

2597-571: The transportation command, and extends over 6 acres (2.4 ha) of land, air and sea vehicles and indoor exhibits. The exhibits cover transportation and its role in US Army operations, including topic areas from the American Revolutionary War through operations in Afghanistan . The museum features a 50,000-square-foot (4,600 m) main building and four outdoor parks. The exhibits inside

2650-527: The trucks. World War II receives coverage with several exhibits including Operation Mulberry which was an operation to construct two artificial harbors on the Normandy coast to support the invasion . This operation used 158 tugboats including 74 of the Army's "small tugs" to tow 59 Gooseberry derelict ships to be sunk as breakwalls and the Phoenix caissons and Lobnitz floating piers. Another exhibit focuses on

2703-423: The vehicle park with a selection of representative vehicles used in the transport command including a DUKW . A marine park has Army water vessels such as a tugboat, J-Boat, and various sized amphibious craft including landing craft and wheeled barges. The aviation pavilion exhibits aircraft, fixed wing and helicopter, from the Korean War to the present, including a HZ-1 Aerocycle , an OH-23 Raven helicopter and

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2756-464: The world's first aerial reconnaissance mission, and on November 1, the first ever aerial bomb was dropped by Sottotenente Giulio Gavotti , on Turkish troops in Libya , from an early model of Etrich Taube aircraft. The Turks , lacking anti-aircraft weapons, were the first to shoot down an airplane by rifle fire. The earliest military role filled by aircraft was reconnaissance , however, by

2809-578: The world. Airplanes performed aerial reconnaissance and tactical bombing missions in the Italo-Turkish war , and the First Balkan War saw the first naval-air operations. Photoreconnaissance and propaganda leaflet drops followed in the Second Balkan War . Air combat was a notable component of World War I, as fighter aircraft were developed during the war, long-range strategic bombing became

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