05/30/2026
Extraordinary News From The Palm Springs Air Museum! The Museum is proud to announce that F/A-18 Super Hornet Bureau Number 165536 has officially joined our collection.
This remarkable aircraft is the 9th F/A-18 Super Hornet ever produced, making it a significant piece of modern naval aviation history. Throughout its distinguished career, the aircraft served with the U.S. Navy's renowned test and evaluation squadrons, VX-23 and VX-31, where it was utilized extensively as a chase aircraft supporting the development and testing of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II.
Adding to its unique legacy, this aircraft carried camera mounts during the filming of the blockbuster movie Top Gun: Maverick, helping capture many of the breathtaking aerial sequences as Captain Pete "Maverick" Mitchell's aircraft.
The aircraft later concluded its operational career with the legendary Blue Angels, serving as part of America's premier flight demonstration team.
This extraordinary addition will be a featured attraction during the Palm Springs Air Museum's 30th Anniversary Celebration throughout the 2026–2027 season, providing visitors with an opportunity to experience a truly historic aircraft that represents the cutting edge of naval aviation, flight testing, motion picture history, and aerial demonstration excellence.
We extend our sincere gratitude to the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola for making this exhibition possible, as well as the many active-duty U.S. Navy personnel and Blue Angels team members whose dedication and support helped bring this remarkable aircraft to Palm Springs.
We look forward to sharing this incredible piece of aviation history with our members, guests, veterans, and aviation enthusiasts from around the World.
