National Norwegian Aviation Museum, Bodø, Norway

[martylee]

The museum opened in 1994 and my only previous visit was in 2005. Nothing much have changed since then, but the museum is well kept and really nice. The museum builing itselg is shaped like a bladed propellar with one civilain part, one military part and the old control tower in the middle. From the tower you look down the runway of the airport, where you also can see military aircrafts as the F-16, C-130 and army helicopters. During our 6 hour stay we saw a total of 14 F-16s, 2 Hercules and 2 helicopters. This area has always been a important area because of the closeness to Russia.

 

At the entrence you're greeted by a Hurricane replica.

 

When you enter the door to the 10.000 m2 exhibit you're greeted by friendly local staff. Just inside there's the reception/ gift shop, cafe and a wardrobe where you can leave your clothes and stuff. I'm glad I didn't need to bring my N3-B Parka around inside the museum. It came to good use outdoors with -14 Celsius and plenty of wind. Even though it's just 1,5 kms from the airport Taxi was a good idea this day.

 

Just inside you meet the first aircraft among them the Northrop RF-5A Freedom Fighter

 

Since two F-16s landed side by side just shortly after our arrival we were hungry to see more of these birds and entered the control tower. The main road goes beneath the control tower, so you can watch both the road and the runway from both control tower and cafe.

 

The military part of the museum aim to show flight from the early beginning until the modern times. It tells the story from the building of own aircraft, through the war years and cold war period.

 

The exhibit is many different planes, equipment, info boards and wonderful dioramas. Dioramas both in full scale and mini format. The lighting in the two halls makes it difficult to take good pictures, it's also rather full of planes. I've tried to adjust the light a bit in the photos posted.

 

Full size Norwegian aircraft workshop.

 

Full size German wreck as found in the mountains.

 

Mini size German attack of Sola airport April 9th 1940.

 

Mini size German 88 battery.

 

Different weapons used.

 

End of part I of many.

 

Marty