The Collections at Travis Heritage Center in Fairfield, Ca.

COLLECTIONS

ARMAMENT

AGM-28 HOUND DOG MISSILE

The North American AGM-28 Hound Dog was the United States’ first air-launched nuclear stand-off missile. Its development began in 1956 under the designation Weapon System 131B, with the goal of giving Strategic Air Command heavy bombers the ability to strike Soviet targets from outside enemy airspace. The prototype, designated XGAM-77, made its first powered flight in April 1959. Because the missile’s engine, airframe, and warhead were based on existing technology, development was rapid, and the GAM-77 entered operational service by December 1959. Its popular name, Hound Dog, was reportedly inspired by a contemporary hit song by Elvis Presley.

The Hound Dog was essentially an unpiloted jet aircraft with small delta wings and forward canards. It was powered by a single Pratt & Whitney J52-P-3 turbojet mounted in a ventral pod beneath the rear fuselage, producing 7,500 pounds of thrust (33 kN). Guidance was provided by an inertial navigation system (INS), with heading updates initially supplied by astro-trackers mounted in the launch pylon. The missile carried a W28 nuclear warhead—the same used in the B28 bomb—with an explosive yield of 1.1 megatons, and could reach targets up to 700 miles (1,100 km) away.

AGM-28 Hound Dog Missile

SPECIFICATIONS

Length: 12.95 m (42 ft 6 in)
Wingspan: 3.66 m (12 ft)
Diameter: 0.71 m (28 in)
Launch weight: 4,500 kg (10,000 lb)
Speed: Mach 2.1
Ceiling: 16,800 m (55,000 ft)
Maximum range: 1,100 km (700 miles)
Guidance: inertial: with astro-tracker heading correction
CEP: 13,000 feet
Warhead: W-28 thermonuclear (1.1 MT)

Hound Dogs were deployed on B-52 Stratofortress bombers—specifically the B-52D, B-52G, and B-52H—each bomber carrying one missile under each wing on specialized pylons. Interestingly, the missile’s fuel tanks could be refilled from the bomber, and its engines could serve as auxiliary boosters for the aircraft before launch. The missile’s INS could also serve as a backup navigation system for the B-52 after a 90-minute calibration process.

The GAM-77 was later upgraded to the GAM-77A standard, which included improved astro-trackers mounted in the missile itself, a radar altimeter, and increased fuel capacity. This upgrade allowed for flexible flight profiles, including high-altitude cruise, low-altitude terrain-following flight, or combinations of the two. In June 1963, the GAM-77 and GAM-77A were redesignated AGM-28A and AGM-28B, respectively. An improved AGM-28C was proposed in the early 1970s but never built.

Approximately 700 Hound Dogs were produced. They were intended to be replaced by the AGM-48 Skybolt, which never entered service. The last Hound Dogs were retired in 1976.

GENERAL PURPOSE BOMBS

GP bombs are unguided, free-fall ordnance with a tapered nose, straight sides, and a cone-shaped tail. Fitted with fuzes at both ends, they are filled with explosives such as tritonal, TNT, or amatol.

They are effective against personnel, light armor, and moderately reinforced structures, producing both blast and fragmentation effects. Known as “iron bombs,” they were often used to crater bridge approaches.

Markings: Olive drab with 1‑inch yellow bands near the nose and tail; all stenciling in black.

GP bombs on display in museum

HUGHES AIM-4 FALCON

The Hughes AIM-4 Falcon was the United States Air Force’s first operational guided air-to-air missile. Development began in 1946, with testing in 1949, and it entered service in 1956.

Produced in both heat-seeking and radar-guided versions, the Falcon served with F-4 Phantom II units during the Vietnam War. Designed to engage slow, lightly maneuvering bombers, it proved largely ineffective against agile fighters. Lacking a proximity fuze, the missile only detonated on a direct hit, resulting in just five confirmed kills.

Due to its poor performance, F-4s were later modified to carry the more reliable AIM-9 Sidewinder, which dramatically improved air-to-air combat effectiveness and continues in service with the U.S. and allied forces today.

Falcon on Display in the Museum

DOUGLAS AIR-2 GENIE

The Douglas AIR-2 Genie was an unguided air-to-air rocket armed with a 1.5-kiloton W25 nuclear warhead. It was developed during the early Cold War, when intercepting Soviet strategic bombers was a major U.S. defense concern. Fears intensified after the Soviet Union fielded a copy of the B-29 bomber and detonated its first atomic bomb in 1949.

Conventional fighter weapons—machine guns, cannon, and unguided rockets—were considered inadequate against massed, high-speed bomber formations, and early guided missiles were still unreliable. Beginning in 1954, Douglas

Genie GR-2 missile

Aircraft developed the Genie as a simple, highly reliable solution. Because its nuclear blast radius was large, the rocket required no guidance; it only needed to be fired into the bomber formation to be effective.

“FAT MAN” ATOMIC BOMB

“Fat Man” was an implosion-type nuclear weapon using a solid plutonium core. One was dropped on Nagasaki, Japan, on August 9, 1945, near the end of World War II. The 10,000-pound bomb was released by the B-29 Bockscar, now displayed in the U.S. Air Force Museum’s Air Power Gallery, and detonated at an altitude of approximately 1,800 feet above the city.

The explosion had a yield of about 20,000 tons of TNT, comparable to the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima three days earlier. However, Nagasaki’s hilly terrain limited the extent of the destruction compared to the relatively flat terrain of Hiroshima.

"Fat Man" Nuclear Weapon on Display

“Fat Man” employed an implosion design in which a sub-critical sphere of plutonium was placed at the center of a hollow sphere of high explosive. Multiple detonators surrounding the explosive were fired simultaneously, creating intense inward pressure that compressed the plutonium core, increasing its density to a supercritical state and producing a nuclear explosion.

MARK 82 WITH SNAKE EYE TAIL RETARDING DEVICE

During low-level bombing, an aircraft risks damage from the blast and fragmentation of its own weapon. To reduce this danger, the standard Mk 82 general-purpose bomb can be fitted with a high-drag tail fin assembly known as the Snake Eye.

When released, the Snake Eye fins deploy to slow the bomb’s fall, allowing the aircraft time to escape before detonation.

Snake Eye on Display

M61 VULCAN 20 mm ROTARY CANNON

The M61 Vulcan is a six-barrel, Gatling-style rotary cannon that is electrically fired and driven by hydraulic, electric, or pneumatic power. Air-cooled and capable of firing 20 mm × 102 mm ammunition at rates of up to 6,000 rounds per minute, the M61 and its variants have served as the primary cannon armament for U.S. military fixed-wing aircraft for more than six decades.

Lessons from World War II air combat showed that German, Italian, and Japanese fighters could engage American aircraft from longer ranges using cannon armament, while U.S. fighters armed mainly with .50-caliber machine guns had to

M61 Vulcan Cannon on Display

close to much shorter distances to be effective. Although the 20 mm Hispano cannon used on aircraft such as the P-38 and P-61 was powerful, its relatively low rate of fire and reliability issues made it less suitable for the emerging jet age.

To address this need, General Electric’s Armament Division revived the multi-barrel Gatling gun concept. By spreading the firing load across multiple barrels, the Vulcan achieved a very high overall rate of fire while reducing wear on each individual barrel—providing the reliability and firepower required for modern air combat.

MHU-83 “JAMMER” MUNITIONS HANDLING TRUCK

The MHU-83, nicknamed the “Jammer,” is a diesel-powered Air Force Materials Handling Unit used to lift, transport, and load munitions, fuel tanks, pylons, and special weapons weighing up to 7,000 pounds. In the world of ordnance handling equipment, it is considered the “big boy” of munitions handling trucks—essentially a highly specialized and very robust forklift designed specifically for aircraft weapons loading.

Mounted on a low-profile, heavy-duty frame with six high-capacity wheels, the MHU-83 provides precise positioning under aircraft. A hydraulically operated cantilever boom and bomb cradle allow weapons to be raised, tilted, rolled, and aligned accurately for loading. All major functions—including lifting, steering, braking, and frame-width adjustment—are hydraulically controlled from the operator’s position.

Reliable and precise, the MHU-83 has been an essential ground support vehicle for safely arming U.S. Air Force aircraft.

MHU-83 B/E

MHU-83 loading missile on aircraft

ENGINES

The Travis AFB Aviation Museum features twenty-one major displays and several smaller exhibits in its Engine Room. These displays showcase the evolution of aircraft propulsion, ranging from piston engines to turboprops, turbojets, turbofans, and even rocket engines. Three cutaway engines allow visitors to see the inner workings of these powerful machines up close.

PISTON-POWERED ENGINES

A piston-powered, or reciprocating, engine burns fuel inside enclosed cylinders, causing pistons to move up and down. These pistons are connected to a crankshaft, which converts this motion into rotation to turn the aircraft’s propeller.

Aircraft piston engines were built in several different cylinder arrangements. While early designs included inline engines—similar to those found in automobiles—aircraft engine manufacturers eventually found that radial engines were better suited for larger aircraft. In a radial engine, the cylinders are arranged in a circular pattern around the crankshaft, providing improved cooling and reliability.

One of the earliest examples in our collection is the Liberty-12, an inline engine that was later superseded by more powerful and efficient radial designs.

TURBOPROP ENGINES

A turboprop engine uses a gas turbine rather than a reciprocating engine to drive an aircraft’s propeller. Air is drawn into the intake, compressed, and directed into the combustion chamber, where it is mixed with fuel and ignited. The resulting hot gases spin a turbine, which in turn powers both the compressor and the propeller. The exhaust produces only a small portion of the aircraft’s total thrust.

Turboprop engines generate more power than piston-powered engines and are generally easier to maintain. An example on display is the Pratt & Whitney T34 Turbo Wasp.

TURBOJET ENGINES

A turbojet is a relatively simple turbine engine that eliminates the propeller and produces all of its thrust from the high-speed exhaust leaving the turbine section. Air is drawn into the engine, compressed, and mixed with fuel in the combustion chamber, where it is ignited to generate thrust. In a turbojet, all of the air entering the engine passes through the entire engine before exiting as exhaust.

One of the earliest examples of this technology is the General Electric J31 turbojet, which is featured in our collection.

TURBOFAN ENGINES

A turbofan engine features a large fan at the intake, with some of the incoming air bypassing the engine core. This bypassed air mixes with the exhaust from the fuel/air turbine to produce thrust. In high-bypass engines, most of the air bypasses the core and contributes the majority of the engine’s thrust, improving efficiency and reducing noise.

An example in our collection is the Pratt & Whitney TF30, a low-bypass turbofan.

ROCKET ENGINES

Rocket engines operate differently from other aircraft engines—they are reaction engines. They work on Newton’s principle that “for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.” A rocket produces thrust by expelling mass in one direction, which pushes the vehicle in the opposite direction.

In a rocket engine, fuel and a source of oxygen, called an oxidizer, are combined and ignited in a combustion chamber. The resulting hot gases are expelled through a nozzle, accelerating the flow and generating thrust.

An example in our collection is the two-chambered LR87-AJ-11, which served as the first-stage engine for the Titan III booster.

NOSE ART

The inspiration for aircraft nose art during World War II—and later during the Korean Conflict—came from nearly every corner of popular culture. Girlfriends, cartoons, comic strips, movies, matchbooks, calendars, and magazines all served as sources of creativity. However, the most influential inspirations were the calendars and magazines of the era.

The most widely copied artist was Alberto Vargas, widely regarded as the premier pin-up artist of his time. As the principal artist for Esquire magazine, Vargas produced much of the artwork featured on its famous pin-up pages and calendars. His distinctive style became synonymous with the pin-up aesthetic and heavily influenced nose art across the U.S. Army Air Forces.

"Sack Time"

World War II, in particular, was a period when almost anything could be painted on an aircraft. This form of personal expression was encouraged as a way to boost morale, foster unit pride, and improve overall efficiency. Over time, however, some examples were considered excessive—especially pin-up girl artwork. By the end of the war, increasing Army Air Corps censorship was evident, resulting in more restrained and regulated nose art.

Following the Korean Conflict, aircraft nose art all but disappeared. It briefly reemerged during the Vietnam War but faded once again at the conflict’s conclusion, as new command directives formally prohibited the practice.

During the 1980s, the United States Air Force began to reexamine its heritage and traditions. Despite objections from organizations such as the National Organization for Women—since depictions of beautiful women had long been a favored subject—the Commander in Chief of Strategic Air Command ultimately endorsed the return of nose art. This decision was intended to rekindle tradition, pride, and esprit de corps among aircrews.

Even so, peacetime has rarely provided an ideal environment for this unique art form. Historically, nose art has tended to survive and flourish primarily during times of war. The Gulf War proved no exception. By the end of combat operations against Iraq in early 1991, nearly every aircraft within the theater capable of carrying artwork bore some form of decoration—ranging from lighthearted and humorous to aggressive or provocative. Once the aircraft returned home, however, most of the nose art disappeared almost overnight.

MILITARY UNIFORMS COLLECTION

The uniforms displayed in this exhibit reflect the changing nature of warfare, service, and sacrifice across more than eight decades of American military history. From the skies over Europe in World War II to modern global operations, each uniform tells a personal story of duty, resilience, and innovation.

WORLD WAR II BOMBER UNIFORM

This World War II bomber uniform represents the type worn by Edward Michael, a Medal of Honor recipient recognized for extraordinary heroism during aerial combat. Bomber crews faced long missions at high altitude in unpressurized aircraft, enduring extreme cold, enemy fire, and the constant threat of mechanical failure.

The uniform includes heavy flight jackets, insulated trousers, gloves, and helmets, designed to protect airmen during these dangerous missions. Michael’s service exemplifies the courage, skill, and sacrifice of the airmen who carried the fight to the enemy in Europe and the Pacific.

WW II Bomber Uniform

The World War II bomber uniform honors the courage of aircrews who flew long, dangerous missions in unpressurized aircraft at high altitudes. The M1942 paratrooper jacket represents elite airborne forces who carried the fight behind enemy lines, relying on skill, teamwork, and determination. The WWII cotton green bag flight suit reflects the practical, one-piece design that kept airmen protected and functional during long missions, with durable fabric, multiple pockets, and reinforced areas for extended combat operations.

The American POW uniform from the Vietnam War serves as a powerful reminder of endurance under captivity, including improvised elements such as shoes made from old tires, representing the hardships endured by prisoners. In contrast, the modern Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP) uniform illustrates today’s adaptable, multi-environment force, designed for missions around the world.

Together, these uniforms connect generations of service members, highlighting the evolution of military aviation, combat, and the human experience of war.

This uniform stands as a tribute to Edward Michael and the thousands of men who risked their lives in the air war to secure Allied victory.

It also stands for the courage, teamwork, and sacrifice of the men who carried the air war to the enemy and helped secure victory during World War II.

M1942 PARATROOPER JACKET

The M1942 paratrooper jacket was the standard jacket worn by U.S. Army paratroopers during airborne operations in World War II. Designed by LTC William P. Yarborough, the jacket was first issued in 1942 and remained in use until 1944.

This jacket features the 101st Airborne Division patch, as well as the Combat Infantryman Badge and the Parachutist Badge, both also designed by LTC Yarborough. Lightweight, durable, and functional, the jacket was intended to meet the unique demands of airborne troops, who faced intense combat and rapid deployment behind enemy lines.

The M1942 jacket stands as a symbol of elite service, courage, and innovation in U.S. military history.

M1942 Paratrooper Jacket

WORLD WAR II GREEN BAG FLIGHT SUIT

The Green Bag Flight Suit was a standard uniform for U.S. Army Air Forces aviators during World War II. Made of durable cotton, this one-piece suit provided protection against wind, cold, and the rigors of long missions at high altitudes.

Designed for both comfort and functionality, the suit featured multiple pockets for maps, tools, and personal items, as well as adjustable cuffs and waistbands to ensure a secure fit during flight. Its olive-green color provided a measure of camouflage while reflecting the military styling of the era.

Worn by bomber crews, fighter pilots, and other airmen, the Green Bag Flight Suit became an iconic symbol of World War II aviation, combining practicality with the resilience required for combat missions.

Cotton "Green Bag"

AMERICAN POW UNIFORM - VIETNAM WAR

This uniform represents American prisoners of war held in North Vietnam during the Vietnam War. POW clothing was often issued by captors or improvised, offering little protection from the elements. Even footwear was scarce; some prisoners wore shoes made from old tires, highlighting the extreme conditions of captivity.

For many POWs, the uniform symbolizes endurance, discipline, and resilience. Despite years of isolation, inadequate food, and harsh treatment, prisoners relied on faith, leadership, and covert communication to maintain morale and resist exploitation.

This uniform stands as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by those who endured captivity and of the significance of Operation Homecoming, which returned American POWs to freedom in 1973.

American POW Uniform

OPERATIONAL CAMOUFLAGE PATTERN (OCP)

The Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP) uniform is the standard duty uniform worn by today’s U.S. Air Force, Army, and Space Force personnel. Introduced in the 2010s, OCP was designed to perform effectively across multiple environments, replacing earlier single-terrain camouflage patterns.

Constructed from durable, lightweight fabrics, including Nomex for flame resistance, the OCP uniform emphasizes comfort, mobility, and protection for modern operations. Its design supports a wide range of missions, from combat deployments to humanitarian and air mobility operations, reflecting the evolving demands placed on today’s service members.

The OCP uniform represents the modern professional military, connecting current generations of airmen and soldiers to those who served before them while highlighting the continued evolution of military uniforms and mission readiness.