Air & Space Museum

General Dynamics FB-111A Aardvark

General Dynamics FB-111A Aardvark

The F-111 is probably one of the most controversial aircraft in US Military history and despite a number of problems in its early development, it became one of the most formidable strike aircraft in the Air Force’s inventory. Designed as a multi-role strike fighter, the F-111 pioneered many new technologies, including variable sweep wings to provide optimum performance at all speeds, and a terrain-following radar system which allowed it to fly at very low level and high speed over a changing terrain. However, an attempt to turn it into an interceptor was an expensive failure.

The museum displays the FB-111A version, which was specially designed as a strategic bomber, carrying nuclear weapons at high speed and over long ranges. Seventy-six of this model were built to bridge the gap between the retirement of the B-58 Hustler and the arrival of the B-1 Lancer. After the B-1 entered service, the Air Force retired the FB-111s or modified them as F-111Gs for tactical bombing. The Air Force never gave the F-111 family of aircraft an official name while in service, but airmen dubbed it the “Aardvark” because of its oddly-shaped nose. The Air Force finally formalized the Aardvark name on the day it was retired.

The FB-111A on display served with the Strategic Air Command at Carswell, Plattsburgh, and Pease Air Force Bases before coming to Lowry Air Force Base in 1990 as a weapons loading trainer. It is on loan to Wings Over the Rockies from the National Museum of the US Air Force.

Air & Space Museum Air & Space Museum

Lowry - Denver

Air & Space Museum

Upcoming Events

Saturday May 24
10:00AM TO 2:00PM
Exploration of Flight (Centennial Airport)

Vintage Showcase

Vintage Showcase
Saturday, May 24, 2025 | 10:00AM to 2:00PM

Take a step back in time at the Vintage Showcase at Exploration of Flight!

Join us for a showcase of vintage aircraft, classic cars and unique local vendors. Check out beautifully preserved planes including a 1958 Beechcraft BE95 Travel-Air, 1948 Luscombe and Wings’ own 1977 Varga 2150A Kachina with factory original paint and upholstery. Stroll among iconic cars like a 1953 Packard Caribbean, 1968 Chevy Chevelle SS, 1989 Volvo and more. Dress up in your favorite retro wear and shop for vintage treasures in the hangar from local vendors!

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Food Truck: Colorado Coney Company
Food is not included with admission.

Featured aircraft and vehicles are subject to change. 

Sunday Jun 1
12:00PM TO 5:00PM
Air & Space Museum

New Exhibit Opening: 2theXtreme

New Exhibit Opening: 2theXtreme
Sunday, Jun 1, 2025 | 12:00PM to 5:00PM

Our newest exhibit 2theXtreme opens on June 1!

This summer, experience 2theXtreme, a hands-on exhibit at Wings Over the Rockies™ Air & Space Museum! With 20 different interactive stations, discover how math powers the world around us – from skateboarding and Mars rovers to robotics and music. You can race a snowboard, drive a rover, create a 360° freeze-motion video and so much more. Perfect for curious minds of all ages, visit 2theXtreme and learn how math shapes our world and helps us soar!

Pre-Purchase Tickets

This high-energy, interactive exhibit is included in the price of admission and will be at the Air & Space Museum through September 7.

Friday Jun 6
10:00AM TO 8:00PM
Air & Space Museum

Evening at the Museum

Evening at the Museum
Friday, Jun 6, 2025 | 10:00AM to 8:00PM

Join us for an elevated experience during extended hours! The Air & Space Museum will stay open late until 8:00 p.m., giving you more time to explore our aircraft, exhibits and immersive experiences. Whether you’re heading over after work or looking for a unique evening out, this is your chance to experience the museum in a whole new light.

Don’t miss an exclusive deep dive into our brand new limited-time exhibit 2theXtreme! From 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., we will be joined by special guest presenters who will provide insights into how math helps us fly. Learn about thunderstorms and extreme weather from an expert working on cutting edge satellites, hear firsthand about soaring from a glider pilot and explore free fall with a skydiver.

Enjoy your night at the museum!

Pre-Purchase Tickets

Standard admission pricing applies. As always, admission is free for our members.

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