.JPG/180px-Minuteman_Missile(Chanute_Airbase_IL).JPG)
LGM-30A Minuteman I
Octave Chanute Aerospace Museum, the largest
aviation museum in
Illinois
, occupies
part of the grounds of the decommissioned
Chanute Air
Force Base
in
Rantoul, Illinois
. It and the base were named for
Octave Chanute, railroad engineer and
aviation pioneer. The museum is dedicated to the life and works of
Chanute, the former air base, the history of aviation in the state
of Illinois, and hosts an annual
air
show.
Highlights of the museum include a collection of over 40 aircraft
including actual military fighters, bombers, rescue, recon, and
cargo aircraft.
Many of these were used for training purposes
at Chanute, and most are on loan from the United States
Air Force Museum
. Other exhibits of note include a replica of
the Wright 1903 Flyer, a large collection of Frasca Flight
Simulators, and tributes to the veterans who have served in
America's conflicts and wars.
The museum offers summer day camp programs, including a week-long
aviation camp for teens and a science camp for elementary-aged
children. In addition, the museum offers various educational and
social events throughout the year.
The facility enjoys direct runway access to Rantoul National
Aviation Center Airport - Frank Elliot Field, another successful
use of the former base facilities. Fly-in visitors are welcomed.
Ample vehicle and bus parking is also available to accommodate
groups.
History
Chanute Air Force Base operated in Rantoul from 1917-1993. After
decommission, the cleanup and conversion of the grounds began.
Economic redevelopment of the former base was a paramount concern
to the surrounding community. As of 2008, portions of the site are
still unoccupied, due in part to environmental concerns including
asbestos contamination. Nevertheless, much has been repurposed into
civilian concerns. The Octave Chanute Aerospace Museum was one of
the earliest efforts, opening in 1994.
The museum is located in Grissom Hall, which functioned as the
missile maintenance training facility during active Air Force
operations. Until base closure in 1993, all Air Force
Minuteman missile maintenance training was
provided at Chanute. The building has largely been preserved and
restored to its condition at the time of base closure; hence, four
authentic Minuteman training silos remain on display at the
museum.
The museum is administered under the direction of a private
foundation.
Aircraft & Missile Exhibits
Replica of the Chanute 1896
Glider
HU-16B Albatross Flying Boat
WV-2/EC-121K Warning Star
Other Exhibits
- The 99th Pursuit Squadron at Chanute Field - The First Active
Unit of the Tuskegee Airmen
- The Eighth Air Force Memorial
- Life at Chanute 1917-1993
- Minuteman ICBM Maintenance Training Silos
- Aerospace Ground Equipment (AGE)
- Frasca Flight Simulators
- We Are All Recruiters (WEAR)
- Korea
: The
Forgotten War
- Military Aviation Hall of Fame of Illinois
- Aircraft Engines
- Hum of the Motor Replaces the Sound of the Reaper
- POW/MIA You Are Not Forgotten
- History of Chanute Air Force Base
- Rantoul Historical Society
External links
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