Flight Test Historical Foundation, Palmdale

About Flight Test Historical Foundation

The Flight Test Historical Foundation operates the Air Force Flight Test Museum at Edwards Air Force Base, where visitors explore the history of military aircraft testing and development. The museum's collection includes over 85 historic test and prototype aircraft displayed both indoors and outdoors. Exhibits cover diverse subjects including the formation of ancient lake beds in the region, early homesteading, the first military use of Edwards, breaking the sound barrier, and flight test operations from World War II to the present. Artifacts include aircraft propulsion systems, missiles, hardware, life support equipment, technical drawings, test reports, personal memorabilia, photographs, and wind tunnel models. The foundation also operates Blackbird Airpark in Palmdale, California, which displays a Lockheed SR-71A Blackbird, its predecessor A-12, the D-21 drone, and the only remaining U-2 "D" model in the world. The annex preserves the heritage of the Blackbird family of military aircraft through restoration and preservation efforts. Visitors interested in aerospace history and aircraft development find educational experiences at both locations.