The Dyess Museum
The Dyess Museum Abilene TX is based inside the Dyess Airport located at 760 Arnold Blvd, Abilene, TX 79605. This is a great place to visit if you are a history buff. The airpark is home to 33 retired aircraft, all of which are on display. The airplanes are divided into six different sections that highlight the history of aviation in the area. There are several exhibits to choose from when visiting. There is something for everyone to enjoy at this museum. Another great place in Abilene.
The museum is also home to a C-130E model that was dedicated to the base on Aug. 23, 2004. It was dedicated to honor the 50th anniversary of the first flight of the prototype C-130. The C-130 was originally designed in 1951 by Lockheed and the Air Force agreed to purchase it. The C-130 has had over 70 variations of the airframe, and the aircraft currently on display was a maintenance training aircraft at Dyess for many years. This plane is affectionately known as “STUBBY” in the maintenance world, and the museum is dedicated to its history.
The airfield’s past is also reflected in its present-day military activity. Dyess Air Force Base is the country’s only B-1B training facility, and is the home to two C-130 squadrons. The base’s Visitor Center gives visitors an overview of the base’s history. The Linear Air Park showcases 31 World War II, Korea, and Vietnam planes.
Another aircraft that’s on display is a F-111A Aardvark. Located outside of the perimeter fence, the Aardvark was the first production aircraft to use the swept-wing design. This was the predecessor of the B-1 Bomber. The Dyess Museum Abilene TX has regular tours of the aircraft. There’s also the Grace Museum, a renovated hotel in downtown Abilene. This 14,000-square-foot museum is a good place to relax after a busy day exploring the city.
In 2004 a C-130E model was dedicated to Dyess to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the first flight of the C-130. The Air Force purchased the first C-130 in July 1951 and has since produced 70 variants of the aircraft. The aircraft on display was used as a maintenance trainer for many years by Dyess, and was fondly referred to as “STUBBY” by its maintenance crew. See more places here.
The F-111A Aardvark is the most famous aircraft on display at the museum. It was the first production aircraft to use the swept-wing concept. It was a forerunner of the B-1 Bomber and was retired from service in 1976. Its name was changed to Dyess Air Force Base after Lt Col. William E. Dyess in 1952. The F-111A Aardvark was the first production aircraft to use the sweeping-wing concept.