Aircraft Collection

Spartan Executive Model 12

The Spartan Executive Model 12 on display at Tulsa Air & Space Museum represents the final chapter of Tulsa-built Spartan aircraft production. Developed after World War II as a modern successor to the celebrated Spartan 7W Executive, the Model 12 featured sleek all-metal construction, tricycle landing gear, and the comfort and performance expected of a luxury business aircraft. Construction of the prototype, NX21962, began in 1945, and the aircraft made its first flight on May 26, 1946. Despite its advanced design, a postwar market flooded with surplus military aircraft prevented the model from entering production, and only one Spartan Model 12 was ever built.

Now preserved at Tulsa Air & Space Museum, NX21962 holds a unique place in aviation history as the last airplane ever built by the Spartan Aircraft Company. The aircraft served in Spartan company operations before being retired in 1959 and later restored to flying condition, remaining airworthy for decades as it passed through dedicated private ownership. Returned to Tulsa in 2012, the one-of-a-kind Spartan Model 12 preserves the craftsmanship, innovation, and legacy of one of Tulsa’s most influential aircraft manufacturers.

Grumman F-14A Tomcat

Brought to the Museum by two Oklahomans, Eric Benson of Sallisaw and Senator James Inhofe of Tulsa. TASM’s F-14A Tomcat is painted in the squadron colors of VF-41 “The Black Aces.”  Listed on the nose are the names of Oklahomans who were pilots or crew members of the Tomcat, a gold star indicating those who were killed in action or during training.

American Airlines MD-80

The MD-80 Theater is currently undergoing renovation, but guests are still welcome to board the aircraft, explore the exhibit, and take a peek inside the theater. While the full video presentation is temporarily unavailable, visitors can still enter the cabin, sit in the first-class section, and view the cockpit before exiting through the forward doors.

Please note:

  • The restrooms onboard the MD-80 are not operational.

  • The MD-80 may be closed during periods of extreme heat or cold. We recommend asking one of our Guest Relations associates or volunteers upon arrival to confirm if the MD-80 is open during your visit.

We look forward to welcoming you aboard!

Rockwell Ranger 2000

The Ranger is a well-loved aircraft by all ages! Designed by Rockwell for the Joint Primary Training Systems (JPATS) competition, the Ranger was built in Germany in conjunction with Messerschmitt, Bolkow and Blohm. Unfortunately, the Ranger was not selected but found her home here at TASM! Climb into the cockpit and feel the thrill of being a pilot!

Bell UH-1 Iroquois "Huey"

Spartan NP-1

Built in Tulsa by the Spartan Aircraft Company, the Spartan NP-1 was a two-seat open-cockpit biplane designed as a primary trainer for the United States Navy during the early years of World War II. Derived from Spartan’s earlier C-3 design, the prototype first flew on September 23, 1939, and featured rugged construction and forgiving handling suited for training new naval aviators. Spartan secured a Navy contract in 1940 and ultimately produced 202 NP-1 aircraft, including the prototype and the specially built “Spirit of Spartan” aircraft.

The Spartan NP-1 displayed at Tulsa Air & Space Museum, Bureau Number 3691, was completed in Tulsa on November 17, 1941, and served at several Navy training bases before leaving military service in 1943. Decades later, it was painstakingly restored using parts from multiple surviving airframes and made its first post-restoration flight in 1987. Returned to the city where it was built, Bu. No. 3691 preserves an important chapter of Tulsa aviation history as the only restored Spartan NP-1 on public display.

 

Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II "Warthog"

Spartan C2-60