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Niagara Aerospace Museum

Preserving Western New York's Aviation and Aerospace History

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Museum celebrates WNY’s contribution to breaking the sound barrier

The museum celebrated Western New York’s contribution to the United States’ effort to understand the dynamics of trans-sonic and supersonic flight. We were honored to have a presentation from Bell Swenson, a former instrumentation Engineer at Bell Aircraft, who worked on the XS-1 rocket planes that first broke the sound barrier. Bill was working in the lab at Bell when the XS-1 and other record setting aircraft came through. He related his experience in the structural testing and instrumentation of the aircraft.

You can see Bill’s presentation here**.

Walter Gordon sharing his knowledge of the Reaction Motors rocket engines used in the Bell XS-1

We were also treated to a fascinating overview of the Bell series of X-planes in a presentation by Walter Gordon, local aviation historian and marketing director at Moog. Walter shared his knowledge on the X-planes’ background, their accomplishments, and where they are today.

You can view Walter’s presentation here**.

  • Bill Swenson shows off a slide rule like the ones they used to design the XS-1
  • Walter Gordon explains how the dynamics of sock waves caused uncontrollable conditions in aircraft
  • Bill Swenson signing a commemorative card for Mike Christopher

We thank the Niagara Falls High School Media Production Program for the video production services!

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Niagara Aerospace Museum

Niagara Falls International Airport
9990 Porter Road
Niagara Falls, New York 14304
(716)297-1323

Hours

Saturday & Sunday 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Closed Monday-Friday/Holidays (more info)

Group tours by Appointment

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Our Corporate Sponsors Make it Possible

Thank you to Niagara Aerospace Museum corporate sponsor Moog
Thank you to our corporate sponsor Calspan
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Thank you Niagara Aerospace Museum corporate sponsor Community Fund for Greater Buffalo

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Hours & Admission

Sat & Sun 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Closed Mon-Fri/Holidays

Adults: $10:00
Seniors: $5:00
Military: $5.00
Ages 5 to 20: $5.00
Under 5: Free
Members: Free
ADA Caregiver: Free
*Admission fee is waived for a caregiver assisting a patron with disabilities
Niagara Aerospace Museum logo
Niagara Aerospace Museum
9990 Porter Road
Niagara Falls International Airport
Niagara Falls NY 14304
716-297-1323
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