Pacific Aviation Museum’s Hangar 37: A Journey Through WWII Aircraft

The Pacific Aviation Museum at Pearl Harbor offered visitors a glimpse into the rich history of American aviation, showcasing aircraft that played pivotal roles in the development of military air power. Hangar 37, one of the two pre-World War II-era hangars at the museum, houses a remarkable collection of warbirds, each with its own unique story. These planes not only served as symbols of technological advancement but also participated in some of the most significant events in American military history.

From the attack on Pearl Harbor to battles across the Pacific, the aircraft in Hangar 37 highlight the evolution of aviation during a time of great global conflict. While the collection includes both American and enemy planes, each represents a chapter in the story of World War II. Let’s explore the seven key aircraft on display in Hangar 37, each of which has earned its place in history.

The Aeronca 65TC Defender, with its modest maximum speed of 109 mph and no armament, played a vital role in the Civilian Pilot Training Program, which prepared pilots for wartime service. During the attack on Pearl Harbor, attorney Roy Vitousek piloted this aircraft with his son, but was forced to land when they came under fire. Though the Defender wasn’t a combat aircraft, it was a valuable tool for training civilian pilots, many of whom later flew in battle.

The Boeing-Stearman N2S-3, affectionately known as the “Yellow Peril,” was a two-seat biplane used primarily for training purposes. One notable pilot who trained in an N2S-3 was former U.S. President George H.W. Bush, who flew solo in one on December 15, 1942. With a maximum speed of 135 mph, the N2S-3 helped instructors evaluate which cadets were suited for combat roles. The model on display at Hangar 37 is the same aircraft that Bush flew during his training at Naval Air Station Minneapolis, MN.

The North American B-25B Mitchell is one of the most iconic bombers of World War II. This versatile aircraft, with a wingspan of 16’ 9” and a maximum speed of 230 mph, saw action across every theater of the war. It was perhaps most famous for its role in the Doolittle Raid, where 16 B-25s bombed Tokyo in a daring mission. Armed with six .50-caliber machine guns and capable of carrying 5,000 lbs of bombs, the B-25B was a formidable weapon that continued to serve for decades after the war. The version on display at Hangar 37 honors the legacy of this storied bomber.

The Curtiss P-40E Warhawk, nicknamed the “Kittyhawk,” was flown by the famous “Flying Tigers” American Volunteer Group. Agile at high speeds, with a maximum speed of 362 mph, the P-40E served as an essential counter to the Japanese A6M2 Zero. On December 7, 1941, pilots Lt. Ken Taylor and George Welch took to the skies in their P-40Es to engage Japanese aircraft during the attack on Pearl Harbor, downing multiple enemy planes. The replica on display in Hangar 37 is painted to resemble Lt. Taylor’s aircraft, paying homage to one of the first American combat responses during the war.

The Douglas SBD Dauntless dive bomber played a crucial role in the Pacific theater. Known for its precision and effectiveness, the Dauntless was instrumental during the Battle of Midway in June 1942, where its squadrons helped sink four Japanese aircraft carriers. The aircraft’s formidable armament—two .50-caliber forward-firing machine guns, two .30-caliber flexible-mounted machine guns, and a capacity for two 2,250 lb bombs—made it a feared force. More than 1,189,000 operational hours were logged by Dauntless crews, making it one of the most-used aircraft during the war. Its legacy lives on in Hangar 37.

The Grumman F4F-3 Wildcat was a resilient fighter that saw action throughout the war, although it was slower and heavier than its Japanese counterpart, the Zero. With a top speed of 331 mph and armed with four .50-caliber machine guns, the Wildcat was built for durability rather than speed. Pilots had to adapt by using tactics like the Thach Weave to outmaneuver the faster Japanese fighters. The Wildcat on display at Hangar 37 is particularly special as it was flown by George Hahn during training in 1943. After crashing into Lake Michigan due to mechanical failure, the aircraft was recovered and restored, now serving as a testament to American perseverance.

The Mitsubishi A6M2 Zero was a devastating fighter that led the attack on Pearl Harbor, escorting Japanese bombers to the naval base. With a wingspan of 39 feet and a maximum speed of 331.5 mph, the Zero was unmatched in speed and maneuverability during the early stages of the war. Its armament included two forward-firing 7.7-mm machine guns and two 20-mm cannons, making it a fearsome adversary. The aircraft on display at Hangar 37 is painted to resemble the Zero that crash-landed on the island of Niihau after the attack on Pearl Harbor.

The aircraft in Hangar 37 at the Pacific Aviation Museum represent some of the most significant technological advancements in aviation history. From the humble Aeronca 65TC Defender to the deadly Mitsubishi A6M2 Zero, each plane tells a unique story of bravery, innovation, and resilience. Visitors to the museum are offered a rare opportunity to explore these incredible machines and gain a deeper appreciation for the role they played in shaping the outcome of World War II.

Whether you’re a history buff, aviation enthusiast, or simply curious, a visit to Hangar 37 provides an unforgettable journey through the skies of the past.