Warbird Information Exchange

Guys, nothing is going to be displayed outdoors for any amount of time. That is the stipulation for getting a shuttle.

http://www.intrepidmuseum.org/shuttle/media.html

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/29/nyreg ... .html?_r=2

In a report last month that concluded a review of the shuttle awards, NASA’s inspector general said the Enterprise would be moved from the Smithsonian to Kennedy International Airport in April 2012. It would be stored in a “climate-controlled tent” inside a hangar at the airport for about two years, then ferried on a barge to the Intrepid.

Is there any aviation museum that hasn't been cought saying that all the time though? It's the wind-up before the pitch for donations.

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F-84F Simulator Project
www.f-84f.org

While that is true, I find it odd to make such a statement moments before you get something like a Space Shuttle.

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Chris Henry
EAA Aviation Museum Manager

Your going to have to prove that one. Do you have the link with that quote? If not than it is just hearsay.

The Intrepid just came back from a complete overhaul last year, which included the restoration of just about all of the aircraft displayed on board. Also they just completed the restoration of the Grumman F9F Cougar, which looks terrific. The museum today is not leaving any aircraft to rot, and in fact have just proved they care more for them then the USAF and most of their collection on outdoor display at bases around the country.

He said it in a room full of people during the mutual concerns conference. Same day they were later awarded the shuttle.

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Chris Henry
EAA Aviation Museum Manager

I have nothing against the Intrepid Museum, I just think there are better and more fitting places for a shuttle. My real problem is how politics played a part more than common sense as to where the shuttles go.

Also with respect to the USAF gate guard aircraft in comparison to the Intrepid's, I would say their pretty close. This isnt meant as a knock to either one, just that they are doing what they can.

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Chris Henry
EAA Aviation Museum Manager

I'm wondering if the "threat" of losing Enterprise is really the driving factor behind the decision to put her into that parking lot. Doing so would make it a LOT harder to move her elsewhere down the road, especially if Intrepid and NYC build up facilities that would have to be torn down to get her back across the road.

Norfolk did pretty much the same thing when the Navy parked the USS Wisconsin at Nauticus. They built a large pier (capable of handling an occasional cruise-ship visit) that partially blocks her in, with plans to build a marina (I don't think it's actually been built yet) that would completely block her in making removal very difficult - and impossible without some sort of demolition work.

I think I said at the time that the silver lining in Enterprise going to Intrepid was that she could very easily be moved elsewhere by barge. For now that still applies.

I'd guess the 16in guns could take care of any demo work.. or you could just floor the throttle & sail right through anything in the way...

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