8.4 Agr Donate Aircraft RB-47 CITY OF SALINA
REQUEST FOR COMMISSION ACTION DATE :~LJME
2/10/97 4:00 P.M.
AGENDA SECTION: ~)RIGINATING DEPARTMENT: APPROVED FOR
NO. City Manager AGENDA:
8
ITEM
NO, 4
Dennis M. Kissinger BY: ~
BY:
Item:
RESOLUTION NO. 97-5114.
Authorizing the transfer of an RB-47H aircraft to the United States Air Force Museum.
Background:
In June 1974, the U.S. Air Force transferred to the City by Conditional Deed of Gift a former military
aircraft. The aircraft was intended for display at the Salina Municipal Airport, the former Schilling Air
Force Base. This particular airplane has no direct association with Salina or Schilling AFB. No RB-
47 aircraft were stationed here, but the RB-47 is the reconnaissance mission modification of a B-47
bombing aircraft, which were stationed here. The aircraft does have painted "City of Salina"
markings, but these were completed here and are not authentic.
Very little was done locally in the fifteen years from 1974-1989. In about 1990, city staff and airport
authority staff became increasingly concerned about the deteriorating condition of the aircraft and
whether the standards of stewardship and care in our agreement with the Air Force were truly being
met. The aircraft was in a protected, fenced area and received occasional washing, but pigeons
and the elements continued to take a toll. No true restoration or display had taken place. Required
annual reports and photographs sent to the Air Force raised questions about the future.
In 1991, the Salina Airport Authority, with City Commission approval, appointed a Study Committee
to evaluate options for the disposition of the RB-47 aircraft. That committee was made up of: Ed
Pogue (Committee Chair); Larry Dunlap; Tom Pfannenstiel; John Ryberg; and Tim Rogers.
After a lengthy study, which included surveying and opportunities for significant public comment, the
committee developed two recommendations regarding the disposition of the RB-47H. The City
Commission adopted those recommendations.
1. Local advocates were to be given until March 31, 1992 to establish a local not-for-profit
organization to plan for and fund future maintenance, restoration and display of the RB-47H.
2. In the event a local organization did not submit a proposal to the City, arrangements should be
made to transfer the RB-47H to an aviation museum certified by the U.S. Air Force Museum for
receipt of surplus USAF aircraft.
During late 1991 and early 1992, representatives of the Flywheels Museum indicated their interest
in presenting a proposal to the City. For apparently a variety of reasons their organizational efforts
were not successful. At that time, the Air Force Museum did not indicate an interest in the aircraft.
The aviation museums at Topeka and Wichita were contacted and expressed some initial interest,
but neither location developed proposals. In the past two years, the Kansas Wing of the Civil Air
Patrol, now located at the Salina Municipal Airport, had indicated interest in the RB-47H.
Ultimately the C.A.P. concluded that this aircraft would be inappropriate for static display at their
headquarters building, since the C.A.P. has never operated a combat aircraft. They would like to
have a static display of an aircraft compatible with their own history and mission.
CITY OF SALINA
REQUEST FOR COMMISSION ACTION DATE TIME
2/10/97 4:00 P.M.
AGENDA SECTION: ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT: APPROVED FOR
NO. City Manager AGENDA:
ITEM
NO,
BY: Dennis M. Kissinger BY:
Resolution No. 97-5114
Page 2
Following some preliminary contacts in 1996, in January 1997 the City received correspondence
(enclosed) from the U.S. Air Force Museum in Dayton, Ohio. The Air Force Museum is currently
constructing a new exhibit of Cold War history. They have asked for our support by transferring
back to the Air Force the RB-47H aircraft currently in Salina. It is the only surviving example of its
type. They have offered to provide another aircraft for the C.A.P. display, donor recognition to the
city of Salina, and to assume all expenses.
In our preliminary response to the Air Force Museum we have suggested a particular type of aircraft
for C.A.P. display (a T-41 aircraft) and also suggested the possibility of the Air Force Museum
incorporating in their Cold War exhibits, the outstanding professional historical exhibit on the
Schilling Air Force Base developed by our Smoky Hill Museum.
The members of Salina's 1991 RB-47H study committee have been contacted and informed of the
U.S. Air Force Museum's request. They have concurred that the Air Force Museum is best qualified
to repair, restore and properly display the RB-47H in an exhibit documenting the Cold War.
In 1991, the RB-47H study committee concluded its report stating that, "Above all, the committee's
top priority is to insure the RB-47H is not given up to scrap." This opportunity to partner with the
U.S. Air Force Museum and the Civil Air Patrol will allow us to responsibly meet that top priority and
truly develop a "win-win-win" situation.
Recommended Action:
Approve 97-5114.
Enclosures
DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE
UNITED STATES AIR FORCE MUSEUM
1100 SPAATZ ST
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, OHIO 45433-7102
13 Jan 97
USAFM/MU
1100 Spaatz St
Wright-Patterson AFB OH 45433-7102
Mr. Dennis Kissenger
City Manager
City of Salina
300 W. Ash Street
Salina, KS 67401
RECEIVED
JAN 2 2 1997
ClI'Y OFFICE
Dear Mr. Kissenger
The U.S. Air Force Museum is proceeding with construction planning for our third
major exhibit building. This new building, which is approximately 1,000 x 250 feet in
dimensions, will be totally dedicated to the history of the Cold War. This will be the worlds
largest and most comprehensive exhibit of Cold War history.
We ask your city's support to this project by transferring back to the U.S. Air Force
the RB-47H aircraft that is currently in your city. This aircraft, which is the only surviving
example of its type, has very special significance to us and will allow a vital part of our Cold
War history to be displayed. We would plan on fully restoring the aircraft to apparent
operational condition and exhibiting the aircraft inside the new building. The City of Salina
would be provided appropriate donor credit in recognition of your support to the U.S. Air
Force.
We fully appreciate the value and attachments that this aircraft may have in your
community, however its transfer to our stewardship will assure appropriate preservation and
display to the credit of both your city and the U.S. Air Force. As a gesture of our
appreciation for your support, we would be pleased to offer another aircraft, perhaps one
appropriate for state display at the Kansas Wing of the Civil Air Patrols Headquarters
Building that is a point of civic pride. The movement of the RB-47H and its replacement will,
of course, be at no expense to your city.
We do hope that your city will favorably consider the needs of the U.S. Air Force and
our Museum. I would be most happy to answer any questions that you may have either by
telephone (937) 255-3286 ext 338 or by direct visit to your community. Thank you for your
thoughtful assistance.
Sincerely
~ES D. METCALF
Maj Gen. USAF (Ret)
Director
CC;
Civil Air Patrol Headquarters (Col Paul Albano)
Civil Air Patrol/Kansas Wing (Col Harold "Dave" Brown)
AMARC/LG-3 (Mr. Tom Dunleavy)
DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE
UNITED STATES AIR FORCE MUSEUM
1100 SPAATZ ST
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, OHIO 45433-7102
31 January 1997
USAFM/MUOV
1100 Spaatz St
Wright-Patterson AFB OH
45433-7102
Mr Dennis Kissinger
City Manager
City of Salina
P. O. Box 736
Salina, KS 67402-0736
Dear Mr Kissinger
Six copies of our Museum Information Packet are provided
as we discussed on the telephone today. This packet includes
information about our history, exhibits and artifacts on display,
IMAX Theatre and information about some of the services we
provide. Additional information about the Museum's collection
can be obtained through our online internet web site, with close
to 750 digitized photographs currently on our web. Our site can
be reached at:
http://www.wpafb.af.mil/museum/
Our attendance in 1996 was almost 900,000. We anticipate
an increase in 1997, hopefully pushing the figure above a million.
It has been my pleasure to serve you. If I can provide
additional information, feel free to call me at (937) 255-8018,
ext 307.
Sincerely
DEE LYMAN
Manager, Visitor Services
Operations Division
Atchs:
Museum Information Packets (6)
UNITED STATES AIR FORCE MUSEUM
The United States Air Force Museum is at
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton,
Ohio. It is internationally recognized as the largest
and oldest military aviation museum in the world.
As the official museum of the United States Air
Force, it uses aviation and technological displays
to preserve the heritage and tradition of U.S. air
power.
HISTORY
The U.S. Air Force Museum was established in
1923 at McCook Field, near Dayton, and was
relocated to Wright Field in 1927. Due to the
urgent need for administrative space to support the
war effort, the museum closed in 1940 and its
collection was stored, not to be shown again until
1954.
In 1960 local interest in aviation that dated back
to the Wright brothers sparked the creation of the
Air Force Museum Foundation. Its first goal was
to finance larger and more modem facilities Ibr the
museum. The foundation launched a nationwide
fired-raising campaign, and by the late 1960s
construction was under way. In September 1971,
President Nixon dedicated the new $6 million
facility. Five years later the foundation donated a
$1 million addition to the building. In 1988, a
major $10.8 million expansion funded equally
by the foundation and the federal government
opened. The IMAX Theatre and atrium, a
$7.3 million project funded by the foundation,
opened in 1991.
EXHIBITS
Nearly 300 aircraft and missiles and
thousands of artifacts are currently on display.
Items fi.om early flight to the present,
including such vintage historical craft as a
Wright B-Flyer, the Spad XVI flown in World
War I combat by Brig. Gen. William "Billy"
Mitchell, a restored World War II German
Messerschmitt 262, the B-29 "Bockscar" that
dropped the second atomic bomb on Nagaski
during World War II, and the modem SR-71
"Blackbird" and F- 117 "Stealth".
On display with the aircraft are prisoner-of-
war collections, a space exhibit, military
uniforms dating back to 1916 and personal
mementos, such as diaries and medals. Other
items of interest include an original Wright
wind runnel, a display devoted to Maj. Glenn
Miller's Army Air Forces Band, and a Desert
Storm munitions display. A special section of
the museum pays tribute to such celebrities in
uniform as Brig. Gen. Jimmy Stewart, Maj.
Clark Gable, Flight Officer Jackie Coogan,
Capt. Ronald Reagan and Tsgt. Joe Louis.
In the research library, by appointment,
visitors may look through still photographs,
books, drawings and other material about Air
Force history.
EXHIBIT LOAN PROGRAM
The staff of the museum also monitors an
aircraft loan program. Through this program
aircraft and missiles, as well as artifacts, are
on loan to museums and military bases around
the world. Additional aircraft are added to the
museum's inventory from those surplus to Air
Force needs and through donations from and
exchanges with individuals, other museums
and foreign countries. The museum's
restoration staff rebuilds old planes and
occasionally builds new ones from original
drawings.
OPERATION AND SUPPORT
The museum is officially operated by the Air
Force. Its IMAX Theatre, gift shop,
bookstore, model shop, and cafe are nm by
the Air Force Museum Foundation with
proceeds used to remodel or expand facilities
and support museum activities. Friends of the
Air Force Museum, an organization the
foundation created in 1978, consists of
aviation enthusiasts who support the museum
and its goals. They often help locate needed
historical objects. For a $24 annual
membership fee, members receive a newsletter
and a discount in the shops, plus other
benefits.
The museum hosts about 1 million visitors
from around the world each year. It is open to
the public daily except Thanksgiving,
Christmas and New Year's Day. Parking and
admission are flee and photography is
encouraged. There is a charge for the IMAX
Theatre.
TOURS and WORKSHOPS
The Museum offers audio tours for a
nominal fee and free adult guided tours.
School tours are conducted by volunteers of
the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Officers'
Wives Club. These tours are given weekday
mornings and are available by reservation
only. In addition, the museum's education
officer conducts special workshops for
students as well as teachers and operates a
free audio-visual loan program.
LOCATION
The museum is six miles northeast of
Dayton, off Ohio Route 4 at the Harshman
Road exit. Information may be obtained by
writing: United States Air Force Museum,
1100 Spaatz Street, Wright-Patterson Air
Force Base, Ohio 45433-7102 or calling (937)
255-3286.
Nov 1996
-
/V LJS . LJI'I'I
Public Affairs Division Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio 45433-6518
(513) 255-3286
- ' I:)1-1 I-AC.I-
I\l_l.l-/"tq,/I-
UNITED STATES AIR FORCE MUSEUM
The United States Air Force Museum, near Dayton, Ohio,
is internationally recognized as the world's largest and
oldest military aviation museum with over 10 acres of
aircraft and other exhibits under roof.
This free attraction features nearly 300 aircraft and
major missiles, plus thousands of personal artifacts,
documents, photographs and mementoes of Air Force history
from the early 1900s to the present. An average of 1
million visitors from across the nation and around the
globe tour the museum each year.
Located on the historic Wright Field portion of
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, the Museum's history dates
back to 1923 with the Army Aeronautical Museum. Today it
has grown to become Ohio's number one non-commercial
tourist attraction.
The Museum complex is operated by the United States
Air Force. Retired Air Force Major General Charles D.
(more)
Metcalf serves as director and
civil service employees. They
2
the staff consists of 94
represent a broad spectrum
of backgrounds in museology, history, aircraft restoration,
design and administration.
Over 300 volunteers provide assistance in all areas of
the Museum's operation, from greeting and assisting
visitors to working on restoration projects.
The Museum is under the operational control of the
commander of the Air Force Materiel Command at
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. The History Office of the
Secretary of the Air Force in Washington, D.C., provides
policy guidance for the Museum.
The Air Force Museum, like so many other museums, has
an "angel" to help out when funding is short. The Museum's
"angel" is the Air Force Museum Foundation, Inc., whose
stated purpose is "to assist the Air Force Museum where
federal funds are not available." Since its formation in
1960, the Foundation has contributed over $19 million for
construction of Museum facilities. The Foundation operates
the IMAX Theatre, gift shop,
cafeteria located in the Museum.
Tasked in its charter to
tell
this
also
worldwide.
bookstore, model shop, and
preserve the heritage and
the story of the Air Force, the Museum accomplishes
challenge not only through the Museum at Dayton, but
by supporting 400 other military and civilian museums
Over 1,700 aircraft and major missiles are
(more)
3
currently on loan to other museums. By providing these and
thousands of artifacts to other museums, the Air Force
Museum has become a global element in telling the Air Force
story.
The aircraft collection on display at the Air Force
Force Museum features such famous planes as the Sopwith
Camel and Spad VII of WWI, and the B-17 "Flying Fortress"
and P-51 "Mustang" of WWII. Modern aircraft such as the
F-117 "Stealth" and SR-71 "Blackbird" are also on display.
Highlighting the Space Gallery is the Apollo 15 capsule
that
1971.
carried the first
Approximately 30
all-Air Force crew to the moon in
aircraft, including the Museum's
collection of presidential aircraft, are exhibited in two
hangars on the historic Wright Field flight line, about one
mile from the main Museum building.
Free historical movies are offered daily, and guest
lectures and special events are held throughout the year.
Reference materials are available to researchers at
the Museums's research department, open weekdays 9 a.m. to
4 p.m. by appointment.
Educators are encouraged
Education Resource Center, the
and workshops for students and
model
to take advantage of the
Audio-Visual Loan Program,
teachers in such topics as
rocketry, airplanes, model hot air ballooning and
(more)
4
kite flying. Tours conducted by the Wright-Patterson AFB
Officers' Wives Club are also available to school groups.
Outdoor interests at the Museum include the Memorial
Park and the Aircraft Park. The Memorial Park has over
270 memorials dedicated to individuals, organizations and
military units associated with the Air Force. Gazebos and
picnic shelters located throughout the park provide
families the opportunity to enjoy a picnic lunch during the
summer months. The Aircraft Park displays 20 planes and
missiles, from bombers and cargo aircraft to the
contemporary F-16 "Fighting Falcon."
The Museum's 500-seat IMAX Theatre provides a stunning
experience with a six story screen and six channel
For ticket information and prices, please call
film
sound.
(937) 253-IMAX.
The
a.m. to 5 p.m. except Thanksgiving
New Year's Day.
It is located on Springfield
Air Force Museum is open seven days a week from 9
Day, Christmas Day and
Street, about six miles
northeast of downtown Dayton, one mile from the Harshman
Road exit off of Ohio Route 4.
As an alternate, Exit 58 on Interstate 75 provides an
easy six mile drive along Needmore Road to the Springfield
Street entrance. Needmore, Harshman and Woodman Ave. also
are marked as the Wright Brothers Parkway, helping to guide
visitors toward the Museum.
(more)
5
For additional information on the Museum, call the ~ir
Force Museum at (937) 255-3286.
-30-
NOTE TO MEDIA:
For further information contact the United
States Air Force Museum's Public Affairs
Division, Diana Bachert or Linda Nadybal
at (937) 255-4704 or 255-3286.
Rev/Nov 96
LJ ik
Air
Public Affairs Division Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio 45433-6518
(513) 255-3286
EVOLUTION OF THE U.S. AIR FORCE MUSEUM
The United States Air Force Museum is internationally
acclaimed as the world's largest and oldest military aviation
museum. It is located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, near
Dayton, Ohio, the home of the Wright Brothers.
The Museum's origin dates back to 1923 where it
started in the corner of an aircraft hangar at McCook Field
near downtown Dayton. From the informal showing of World War I
planes and equipment of both the United States and foreign
governments, the collection has grown to nearly 300 aircraft
and major missiles, plus thousands of aviation artifacts.
Dayton had an early acquaintance with aviation.
The Wright Brothers developed their 1903 flyer in Dayton and
continued flying at nearby Huffman Prairie between 1904 and
1910. Experimental flying was conducted by the Army at McCook
Field during and after World War I.
When area residents donated 4,000 acres of land in
the 1920s for the establishment of Wright Field as a research
center to replace the outgrown McCook Field, the Museum was
also moved. Between 1927 and 1935, the Museum occupied 1,500
(more)
square
six miles from downtown Dayton.
In 1935, the Museum got its
form of a specially designed building
$235,000. It was paid for through
Administration (WPA). By this time,
2
feet of space in a laboratory building at Wright Field,
first real home in the
at Wright Field costing
the Works Progress
the Museum collection
included about 2,000 items. But the new home was converted to
wartime use in 1941, and the collection went into storage.
After the war, the museum program
towards collection of items for re-opening
curator at that time was also given the
aircraft for the National Air and Space
Smithsonian Institution. Collection efforts continued, and in
April of 1954 the Museum again opened to the public. This time
it was located at adjoining Patterson Field in a World War II
structure that had housed an engine-overhaul facility.
Attendance in 1954 totaled 10,000 visitors. Since then
attendance has spiraled to an average of one million visitors a
year.
The
warehouse
floorplan
unfolding
sequence.
That
1960s.
changed
Museum
display to a uniquely
which directed visitors
the story of military
was directed
the Museum. The
task of locating
Museum of the
converted WW II building was outgrown in the early
Further, it was neither fireproof nor air conditioned
(more)
in the early 1960s from a
designed interior "maze"
along a controlled walkway,
aviation in chronological
and was unsuitable for properly
growing, priceless collection.
3
protecting and displaying the
Support posts every 16 feet in
one direction and every 50 feet in another, for instance,
greatly restricted how and where aircraft could be exhibited.
Thanks to the Air Force Museum Foundation, a
philanthropic, non-profit organization founded in 1960, the
longstanding need for a new buiding was finally met when a new
$6 million Museum building was completed on a 400-acre site at
historic Wright Field. Formal dedication ceremonies were held
with President Richard M. Nixon in September 1971. The 800 x
240 foot building was paid for entirely by public
contributions. It was designed specially for display of
aircraft and provides indoor protection for nearly 100
aircraft. A $1 million visitor reception center was added in
1976, again through contributions by the public to the Museum
Foundation.
A major Museum expansion, the Modern Flight Hangar,
opened in April 1988, and houses over 50 aircraft including an
F-117 "Stealth" fighter and the Museum's experimental aircraft
collection. It is parallel to and similar in size and
appearance to the 1971 Museum building. The new $10.8 million
building was funded jointly by the federal government and the
Air Force Museum Foundation. Whereas the 1971 building retains
the chronological layout, the Modern Flight Hangar exhibits are
grouped by subject.
(more)
4
An aircraft Annex display, housing about 30 aircraft, was
opened in 1977 on the old Wright Field flight line, about one
mile from the main Museum complex. This twin-hangar storage
facility is also open for visitors to view aircraft that are
either awaiting restoration or have recently been completed by
the Museum's Restoration staff.
The main Museum complex and the Annex provide over 10
acres or 448,000 square feet of indoor exhibition space--a far
cry from the 1,500 square feet of the 1927-35 era. Further,
the collection has grown from 2,000 items to more than 50,000
items with only a portion on exhibit at any one time.
The Museum also has expanded to provide support to
some 400 military and civilian museums around the world. This
assistance includes the loan of 23,000 items, including over
1,700 aircraft.
During the 1980s, the Museum supervised the development
of a Memorial Park on a portion of its 400-acre site. More
than 270 memorials have been dedicated to commemorate the
military service of individuals and of organizations. Each
memorial, whether a tree with a simple plaque or an eleborate
granite monument, was financed by interested citizens.
In October 1989, a contract was awarded to the B.G. Danis
Company/Building Division of Dayton by the Air Force Museum
Foundation for the construction of an IMAX Theatre. The
500-seat IMAX Theatre, constructed in front of and connected to
(more)
5
the existing Museum buildings, opened in May 1991. An
80-foot-high dome glass atrium over the expanded lobby serves
as the architectural focal point for the entire $7.3 million
complex.
Although the Museum is operated by the United States Air
Force, its IMAX Theatre, gift shop, bookstore, model shop and
cafeteria are run by the Air Force Museum Foundation. Proceeds
are used to support Museum activities and to remodel or expand
Museum facilities. "Friends of the Air Force Museum," created
by the Foundation in 1978, is an organization of aviation
enthusiasts who support the Museum. For a $24 annual fee,
members receive a quarterly "Friends" Journal , discounts in
the Museum shops, and other benefits.
The Air Force Museum Foundation is currently
assisting with the Museum's Year 2020 Capital Improvement Plan,
which is being implemented to preserve and enhance the colorful
history and promising future of the Air Force. This long-range
plan includes three parallel buildings to the main complex (2
for exhibits, i for restoration), outdoor band shell (3,000
person capacity),
restaurant.
expansion of the Memorial park, and a new
-30-
NOTE TO MEDIA:
For further information contact the United
States Air Force Museum's Public Affairs
Division, Linda S. Nadybal or Diana Bachert,
at (513) 255-4704 or 255-3286.
Rev/Oct 95