National Museum of the USAF - Research & Development Gallery

Exhibits > Research & Development Gallery

Research & Development Gallery

Note: The requirements for visiting this gallery are listed below.

Located adjacent to the Presidential Gallery, the Research & Development Gallery honors the pioneering spirit of air power visionaries who have sought through the decades to achieve greater possibilities. Gallery visitors can view unique and exotically designed aircraft, such as the only remaining aircraft of its kind, the imposing XB-70 Valkyrie, which could fly three times the speed of sound.

Presidential/R&D; Requirements

The Presidential and Research & Development Galleries, located on the controlled-access portion of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, are accessible using the shuttle bus service from the main museum complex. This service is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Sign up early as buses fill up quickly!

Shuttle buses are not handicapped accessible. Individuals requiring special assistance should contact the museum's Operations Division in advance at (937) 255-3286 to arrange transportation.

Military and Department of Defense civilians with government ID may use their private vehicle to visit the Presidential and R&D Galleries.

Note: A current government-issued photo ID (i.e. state ID or driver's license) is required for citizens of the U.S. and U.S. territories over age 18. All foreign visitors must present an original passport (a NEXUS card is an acceptable form of ID for Canadian citizens) or a foreign enhanced driver's license. Those under age 18 must be escorted by an adult (one adult per two children); children are not required to produce identification when accompanying their parents.

Hours of Operation

The shuttle buses to the Presidential and R&D Galleries are operating on the following schedule through Dec. 31, 2011: Registered participants meet at 9:30 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. seven days a week for a briefing and shuttle bus ride to the galleries. Please allow a hour and a half to participate.

Beginning Jan. 1 through Feb. 29, 2012, the buses will operate on the following schedule: Registered participants meet at 1:30 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. Monday through Friday for a briefing and shuttle bus ride to the galleries. Registered participants meet at 9:30 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. Saturday and Sunday for a briefing and shuttle bus ride to the galleries. Please allow a hour and a half to participate.

For those with base access, the galleries will be open from 9:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily (use Gate 19B).