2023-08-13 -- PIMA Air and Space Museum -- Part 2

I'm not exaggerating when I say it's incredibly hot. The heat can be intense enough to cause discomfort and potential health risks if you're not careful.

The only place I've ever experienced heat exhaustion was in Arizona. Even though I've visited Death Valley(1) on a day when the temperature reached 118°F (48°C) in the shade, the heat at Pima Air & Space Museum felt more intense. Perhaps it was because I had the option to stay indoors in Death Valley.

To explore every outdoor exhibit in detail, you can't constantly dart back inside for relief. At some point, you'll be too far from shelter.

The desert climate has always been hot and dry, but the intensity has increased significantly. While the dry air helps to preserve delicate components, the extreme heat can damage plastic parts, electronics, and other materials.

Climate change is accelerating the deterioration of these aircraft. The irony is that this could create jobs in restoration and preservation. However, continued denial of climate change will lead to further damage and loss.

All this highly expensive equipment must be protected, as replacement costs remain substantial.

I began my tour with the iconic F-14 Tomcat(2). I first saw this aircraft during the Iran-Iraq War, when I was a middle school student. The Tomcat's superior capabilities, particularly compared to the Russian and French aircraft used by Iraq, made it a formidable force. There are instances where a single F-14 shot down Three Iraqi MiG fighters with a single missile.(3)

While I appreciate the technological prowess of the F-14, it's important to remember the human cost of war. The Iran-Iraq War was a tragic conflict that resulted in unnecessary loss of life. The Iranian and Iraqi pilots were not fighting for noble causes and the war itself was a senseless tragedy.

On the day the Iran-Iraq War began, I was walking with my grandfather when I witnessed a dramatic aerial battle. A massive Iraqi Tupolev bomber, escorted by two Mirage fighters, targeted Tabriz airport, where an Iran Air Airbus A300 had just landed.

The Iraqi planes, exploiting blind spots in Iran's radar system, approached the airport undetected. However, the Iranian Air Force was alerted, and two F-5 fighter jets scrambled to intercept the intruders. The Iraqi planes attacked the airport, targeting the control tower and the Airbus on the ground. Fortunately, there were no casualties among the passengers.

As the Iraqi planes turned to retreat, they were met by the supersonic F-5s. I witnessed one of the F-5s engage the Tupolev in a dogfight, the two aircraft streaking across the sky above my head. The intense sonic boom shattered windows and shook the ground. Despite the danger, I was awestruck by the aerial battle unfolding before my eyes.

Ultimately, the Iranian F-5s successfully repelled the Iraqi attack, shooting down the Tupolev and one of the Mirage fighters. The remaining Mirage was forced to retreat. This encounter was a pivotal moment in the war, showcasing the bravery and skill of the Iranian pilots.

Many people were injured by flying glass shards on that day. Our home also suffered significant window damage. For the next eight years, people across Iran taped their windows in an attempt to prevent further damage from shattered glass.

Religion has unfortunately been a source of conflict throughout history, leading to the loss of countless lives. The Iran-Iraq War is just one example of the devastating consequences of religious extremism. I wish more people would learn from history and avoid repeating the mistakes of the past. Whenever I hear someone advocating for religious influence in government, I can't help but worry about the potential for future conflicts.

The B-52 Stratofortress(4) is a testament to human ingenuity and engineering prowess. This iconic aircraft has been in service for over 70 years and is expected to continue flying well into the 2050s. It's remarkable to consider that few cars manufactured in the 1950s would still be functional today.

A unique feature of the B-52 Stratofortress is its ability to land sideways. This allows the aircraft to align its wheels with the runway, regardless of the wind direction, ensuring a safe landing.

Here are some additional images: