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The museum and its
Association of members have chosen to focus their interest in trainers, FACs, gunships and photo
reconnaissance aircraft, and the roles these aircraft played in the military.
The
museum’s Cessna T-41 is representative of the trainer aspect of the program;
Forward Air Control (FAC) is represented by a 1969 Cessna O-1E BirdDog, and
an O-2, both under restoration to Viet Nam era configurations. Gunship and
photo reconnaissance capabilities are combined in the Grumman OV-1 Mohawk,
which served in both capacities during the Viet Nam conflict.
AWAM has the largest civilian collection of OV-1 Mohawk
aircraft and parts. The museum presently has several Mohawks, one of which is under
restoration as a flying example of a JOV-1A gunship. Another will be a flying example of
the photo reconnaissance capabilities of this aircraft. Other Mohawks will be used as
static displays, including an OV-1B and JOV-1C SEAMORE aircraft. Each version made by
Grumman is represented in the collection.
In each case, the museum displays supporting material
unique to the mission of each aircraft: armament, gunsights, radios, aerial cameras, load
adjusters and other equipment.
A significant part of the museum's interests, activities
and resources are dedicated to establishing the museum as a leading authority on the OV-1
Mohawk, and its role in military aviation. This goal has been supported and encouraged by
many individuals and firms, such as the Grumman Aerospace Corporation, and military
personnel located at Fort Hood, Fort Eustis, Hunter AAF, Dobbins AFB, Davis-Monthan AFB
and Fort Huachuca.
| The April '95 issue of EAA Warbirds magazine featured one
of our Mohawks on the front cover.
(Photo by Erik Hildebrandt) |
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AWAM Mission Statement
American Wings Air Museum is dedicated to restoring and promoting the role of military
aviation and the technological advances benefiting humanity by:
- Restoring and preserving the aircraft which have contributed to these
advances.
- Aerospace education for young and old alike through static and flying
displays.
American Wings Air Museum has won awards two years in a row
at the annual EAA fly-in at Oshkosh, Wisconsin. In 1995 our OV-1 Super-C won the EAA
"Most Authentic Warbird" award. And, in 1996 our OV-1D won the EAA "Most
Authentic Warbird" award.
You can help continue the acquisition and preservation of
artifacts and aircraft pertinent to the goals and interests of the Association, as a
member
of the American Wings Air Museum Association. And, you can also
help by becoming an American Wings volunteer.
| Our Mohawk OV-1 Super C as shown in WARBIRDS International, Feb. 1998.
(Photo by Michael O'Leary). |
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