The collection at the Oakland Aviation Museum is quite varied and extensive for its size.  Of the many artifacts housed in the museum, the aircraft are always of particular interest to our visitors.  Below are images and information regarding some of the many aircraft in the collection.

OAM looks forward to your visit so you can have the opportunity to see these amazing aircraft and the entire collection up close.

_____________________________________

Wright Bros. Model EX Replica

This replica of the Wright Bros. Model EX was built in 1972.   The real Model B “Vin Fiz” flown by Calbraith Perry Rodgers, completed the first transcontinental flight in 1911.   The name “Vin Fiz” came from a soft drink being marketed at the time by Rodgers’ sponsor, the Armour Company of Chicago.

Central States Aero Co. Monocoupe

In the mid-1920s a young advertising man named Don Luscombe flew his open cockpit JN-4D "Jenny" out of a small airstrip in Davenport, Iowa.  He thought, “How nice it would be if I could fly in a small enclosed-cabin airplane and arrive at my destination dressed in a business suit."  ...And the Monocoupe was born.

P-51B Mustang Replica

This replica P-51B is a 3/4 scale representation of the famed "Red Tail" Mustang.   Flown by the illustrious "Tuskegee Airmen" as bomber escorts over Europe in WWII, this supreme fighter aircraft and the immeasurable bravery and skill of its pilots played a pivotal role in winning the war for the Allies.

Bede Aircraft Corp. BD-5

Sold in kit form and constructed by do-it-yourself plane builders, Bedes are powered by various small engines such as Honda and Mazda powerplants as well as a jet version knows as the BD5J or Bede “Microjet.”  The “Microjet” is powered by a French TRS-18 engine and has reached 385 MPH in dive tests.

MiG-15bis Jian-2 

The MiG –15 hit the world like a storm when China entered the Korean War in November of 1950 where it turned out to be a very effective fighter against the formidable F-86 Sabre.  Chinese versions were designated J-2 with the “J” standing for the word “fighter” (JIAN).

Grumman F-14A Tomcat 

The Tomcat is a supersonic, twin engine, variable sweep wing, fighter aircraft.  With its Phoenix, Sparrow and Sidewinder missiles and 20MM Vulcan Gattling gun, the    F-14 Tomcat was without equal during its service and remains one of the most potent military aircraft of all time.

Short Bros. Solent MkIII

This flying boat, originally built for the RAF, was converted in 1948.   Its fairly short commercial career took it to exotic locations around the world, from landings on the Nile at Luxor, Egypt to Tasmania and the South Pacific.  This is one of only three of its type remaining in the world today.

Other fascinating aircraft in OAM's collection include:

(click on the aircraft name above or below for more information)

Douglas KA-3B Skywarrior

Douglas TA-4J Skyhawk

Grumman KA-6D Intruder

Vought A-7E Corsair II

North American T-39 Sabreliner

Engineering & Research Corp. Ercoupe

Aeronca 7AC Champion

Glasair SH-2

Rutan VariEze

Kitfox Classic IV

Ison (MiniMax) 1650R Eros

Mauro (UFM) Ultralight Easy Riser

_____________________________________

OAM's collection of artifacts, archival and library materials has developed over the years with the generous donations and support of people within the community and across the U.S.  The collection continues to grow as will this page as new items are added to the collection and additional information is brought online.

If you wish to make a donation to OAM's collection, please contact our Curator and Collections Manager, Pamela Kruse-Buckingham at 510.638.7100 or oamcurator@att.net.