Quonset Displays Aircraft Engines at Air Force Base Museum

Just half a mile south of Dover Air Force Base, the Air Mobility Command Museum in Delaware houses over 30 aircraft from a variety of eras and major commands. In fact, the museum has the largest and most complete collection of fully restored U.S. military cargo and tanker aircraft in the Eastern United States.

In the parking lot across from the main museum building is a Quonset hut that hosts an exhibit that houses many old aircraft engines. The Quonset hut, affectionally known as the “Engine Barn,” has skylights in the ceiling of the building, allowing plenty of natural light to show off the engines on display.

A few of the many engines on display include:

• Pratt and Whitney R-4360 “Wasp Major”, the largest production radial ever built
• Allison T-56 Turboprop as used on the C-130 and P-3
• General Electric TF39 turbofan engine from a C-5
• Packard-Merlin V-1650 engine

Not only are visitors able to view the actual engines, but they are also able to view their inner workings. 

There are signs in front of the engines with information, as well as volunteers at the museum who can provide additional details.

The Quonsets blend in perfectly at the AMC Museum because they are commonly used as aircraft hangars for practically any size aircraft or aviation building application.

Quonset huts also fit in with the museum’s military history. In World War II, the U.S. Navy needed buildings that could be quickly assembled and disassembled but could withstand the rigors of the military. Thus, the Quonset hut was created.

Whether you’re an avid history buff or are looking for an activity to do in Dover, the AMC Museum has something for people of all ages. Click here to learn more about the museum.