Combat Air Museum, Forbes Field

Much more than a collection of aircraft, Combat Air Museum houses a wide variety of military and aviation oriented memorabilia, ranging in time from the first World War to the space shuttle program. There are approximately 30 aircraft on display with multiple additional static displays.

The museum is one of a handful of major aviation museums in the United States located on an active air field. Visitors are regularly treated to flying activities of Air Force fighter aircraft and Army helicopter operations. With the second longest runway in the State of Kansas, large refueling tanker aircraft of the Air National Guard and army troop transports often fill the skies around the Museum.

Missiles and a cannon are on display on the grounds outside the hangers. Military vehicles range from a jeep and a command car to an M-114 armored personnel carrier. Aircraft engines of many sizes and types are on exhibit, as well as flight training simulators of varying degrees of complexity. A simulated field kitchen is set up and ready to prepare and serve a meal, and a field chapel, complete with a portable organ, is ready for Sunday services. A re-creation of a German P.O.W. barracks was constructed based on the first-hand experience of two members, authentic down to the bare light bulb, straw-filled mattresses and barbed wire. Exhibits include an extensive collection of widely assorted artifacts and dioramas, and a growing gallery of military aviation art.