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Air Zoo Blog

Category: Aircraft

Tuesday, Nov 1, 2022

New Label Series Will Interpret Outdoor Aircraft

As the chilly November breeze drops colorful leaves from the trees, your Air Zoo Exhibits department actively researches and writes stories about some cool planes! We’re interpreting aircraft including a French flying machine, a Fortune magazine favorite, and the U.S. Air Force’s first operational jet! The Broussard, Learjet 23, and P-80 Shooting Star, respectively, comprise just three of the 10 historic airplanes exhibited on the Air Zoo grounds. We’re excited to create a ... Read More
Posted by Nikki Statler at Tuesday, Nov 1, 2022
Aircraft interpretation labels Outdoor Aircraft signs

Wednesday, Sep 29, 2021

"Smoe" and the P-80A on Display

We’ve added more cool jets to our outdoor aircraft display! In addition to the OV-1D Mohawk newly placed beside the S-3B Viking, we’re pleased to showcase an aircraft with one historic paint scheme.  The scheme honors Colonel Michael Smolen, aka “Smoe,” who served the in U.S. Air Force as one of six early jet trainers and made history as a member and leader of the Acrojets. Formed in 1945, this precision flying team was the first to perform in the P-80 Shooting S... Read More
Posted by Nikki Statler at Wednesday, Sep 29, 2021
Aircraft artifacts Collection Colonel Michael Smolen P-80A Smoe U. S. Air Force

Tuesday, Mar 2, 2021

Meet Shaba

In 2019, the Air Zoo was notified that it will be the proud recipient of one of the first F- 117 Nighthawks released for public display at a non- government institution. The highly decorated Shaba (817) is one of 15 Nighthawks with over 5,000 flight hours. This incredible aircraft is one of 10 Nighthawks to fly at least 50 combat sorties; one of 7 that flew in at least three of the four significant campaigns in which Nighthawks were used; and one of only 5 that fit all three categories. TH... Read More
Posted by Nikki Statler at Tuesday, Mar 2, 2021
Air Force Aircraft airplane F-117 Flight Discovery Center Lockheed Nighthawk restoration Stealth Plane

Monday, Mar 1, 2021

SBD-2P Recovery and Restoration

Taken from original 2016 Press Release: The Douglas Dauntless Dive-Bomber Bureau Number SBD-2P 2173, an historic World War II Navy aircraft built by Douglas Aircraft Company1 and once thought lost forever in Lake Michigan, will soon begin a very important phase of her long history. This aircraft will soon be transferred to the Kalamazoo Aviation History Museum2 to undergo a full expert restoration over the next several years. This rescue effort that was begun by Mr. Fred Turner3, the former ... Read More
Posted by Nikki Statler at Monday, Mar 1, 2021
A & T Recovery Aircraft airplane Fred Turner John Lendo Naval Aviation Museum Foundation navy Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor restoration SBD-2P

Monday, Dec 7, 2020

Shaba Arrives This Week!

The Air Zoo is proud to announce the arrival of their newest aircraft.  Over the last eight days, Air Zoo President & CEO, Troy Thrash, along with a crew of dedicated transportation specialists, embarked upon a journey of 1,940 miles to bring the aerospace and science center's new aircraft home to the Air Zoo, located in Portage, MI. This new plane is a stealth fighter, a Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk, Tail #817, and nicknamed Shaba. “I really can’t believe the time has ... Read More
Posted by Nikki Statler at Monday, Dec 7, 2020
Aircraft F-117 Get Shaba Lockheed Nighthawk Press Release Shaba Stealth Plane Tonopah

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    Great place! Very interesting educational and informational! Great place to take the whole family as there is something for young children up to adults!

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    We took our grown daughters and young grandsons to the Air Zoo. It was very entertaining for all of us. There is so much to see and do. Rides for the whole family!

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