Century Circle welcomes YC-15

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Stacy Sanchez
  • 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Team Edwards welcomed a YC-15 prototype into the Century Circle display located at the West Gate during a dedication ceremony July 8.

In response to an Air Force request for an advanced medium-to-short takeoff and landing transport, McDonnell Douglas built the prototype aircraft to replace the C-130 Hercules. The aircraft flew for the first time over Edwards on Aug. 26, 1975.

"It is a proud day at Edwards, where we bring onto the (Air Force Flight Test Center) museum the YC-15 that you see behind me," said Maj. Gen. David Eichhorn, AFFTC commander. "Edwards has been the premier flight test center for the Air Force and has seen many momentous occasions. Receiving the YC-15 today is another momentous event."

The YC-15 marks the first step in an exciting plan to bring the AFFTC museum outside the West Gate, where the general public can truly enjoy greater access to history, said Fred Johnsen, AFFTC museum curator.

"In the future, imagine other airplanes growing around it," Mr. Johnsen said. "I am excited to see what the aircraft means to us and the future of the museum. Century Circle will be a key destination for residents and tourists in the Antelope Valley."

The aircraft was delivered to the base in May from the U.S. Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale, Calif. Prior to the dedication ceremony, more than 50 volunteers spent more than 200 hours refurbishing the aircraft.

"We thank those who spent hours preparing the YC-15 for this moment," Mr. Johnsen said. "You spent your Saturdays in 100-degree weather, and for that, we thank you."

The YC-15 will be an addition to the six Century Series aircraft including the F-100, F-101, F-102, F-104, F-105 and F-106, already on display at Century Circle.

"This is the start of a whole new park that we are going to put outside the gate for everyone to enjoy and learn about the AFFTC's history," General Eichhorn said. "You will be seeing people from all nationalities enjoying the summer climate and history of aviation. I am really glad to be a part of the dedication and welcome the next era for the museum."