This was the start of something big
The incredible Air Zoo had its beginnings in the building that is now our East Campus. Just a short walk from the new facility, a tour of the East Campus is included in the price of a regular Air Zoo admission.
Besides housing more than 35 additional aircraft and exhibits, the East Campus hosts year-round classes and summer camps. It is also home to the 17,000-square-foot Michigan Space Science Center, which contains a large number of space artifacts and interactive exhibits. The MSSC ranks fourth in the nation for the number of Smithsonian
Institution/National Air and Space Museum artifacts on display.
Also on the premises is a comprehensive research library available to members of the Air Zoo.
A delight for aviation buffs
If you love airplanes, especially those that played starring roles in World War II, you’re in the right place. Our three Grumman Cats in this building include the Hellcat and the Wildcat. You’ll also want to take note of the FG-1D Corsair.
But don’t miss our Douglas SBD Dauntlass. Lost in a training “incident”, it languished half a century under the waters of Lake Michigan. After eight years in the hands of our restoration experts, the Dauntlass has been reborn in spectacular fashion.
The power to shape history
Our collection of 30* aero engines turns power inside out, giving visitors one-on-one time with some of the most aggressive machines to reach the sky. Highlights include:
- Pratt and Whitney R-2800, used in the F-6F Hellcat; the F-4U (FG-1D) Corsair and the P-47 Thunderbolt
- Allison V-1710, used in the P-40 Warhawk and the P-39 Airocobra
- Pratt and Whitney Wasp Major, R-4360 used in the Spruce Goose
- Wright Cyclone R-1820, used in the B-17 Flying Fortress
- R-3350, used in the Douglas Skyraider
Want more power? See the entire list of aero engines. (PDF)
*Note: Not all engines are on public display.
Propellers on display
The Pat Schiffer Collection and the Hamilton Standard Propeller Display showcase a variety of propeller hub designs, bolt patterns and blades. These exhibits also display other mechanical parts that work hand-in-hand with propellers and explain the engine power needed to turn each one. In fact, many of the props were powered by the same machines seen in our Air Zoo engine display.
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