Flight Test Museum, Edwards AFB

About Flight Test Museum

The Flight Test Museum at Edwards Air Force Base preserves the history of aircraft testing and development through exhibits and an extensive aircraft collection. Visitors explore over 85 historic test and prototype aircraft on display. The museum houses artifacts including aircraft propulsion systems, missiles, life support equipment, technical drawings, test reports, personal memorabilia, photographs, and wind tunnel models. Exhibits cover diverse subjects ranging from the formation of ancient lake beds and early homesteading in the area to the first military use of Edwards, breaking the sound barrier, and flight test operations from World War II to the present. The Flight Test Historical Foundation also operates the Blackbird Airpark annex in Palmdale, which displays a Lockheed SR-71A, its predecessor the A-12, the D-21 drone, and a U-2 "D" model aircraft. The museum supports STEM education programs and hosts the annual Gathering of Eagles event celebrating aerospace achievements. The main museum is located at Edwards Air Force Base in California, while Blackbird Airpark operates separately in Palmdale.