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Tucson's Pima Air and Space Museum is home to over
200 aircraft on display and has five large hangars totaling
100,000 square feet of exhibit space. An original WWII
barracks contains an extensive model collection, which
shows virtually all U. S. military aircraft from pre-World
War I to the present.
The museum enjoys an international reputation as one
of the best anywhere. For aviation enthusiasts of all
ages, this Tucson Aviation Museum brings history to
life.
Tucson travelers can view more than 250 aircraft, including
bombers, spy planes and helicopters. Because of the
pleasant Tucson weather, many of the attractions were
built outdoors.
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 When
the SALT Treaty called for the de-activation of the 18
Titan missile silos near Tucson Arizona, volunteers at
the Pima Air & Space Museum asked if one could be
kept for public tours. After much negotiation, including
additional talks with SALT officials, the Green Valley
complex of the 390th Strategic Missile Wing was opened
to the public.
After watching a video about the history of the Titan
and its deadly nuclear capabilities, you will be taken
deep in to the command center. Here, essential equipment--indeed
the center itself--is mounted on springs to withstand
anything but a direct hit. Then you pass through a couple
of 6,000 pound blast doors and walk along a space-age
corridor to the silo itself. The 110 foot tall missile
weighed 170 tons when it was fueled and ready to fly.
It's empty and harmless now, but it still looks deadly,
crouched on its launch pad.
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