Tag Archives: Aviation

Hagerstown’s Unsung Role in the Space Program

HAGERSTOWN, MD – While many local aviation enthusiasts are familiar with the Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar, fewer know the importance of the aircraft and its contributions to the space program. The Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar is primarily thought of as a military transport aircraft, but it also made a significant contribution to the United States’ space program and the Corona spy satellite program. Manufactured in Hagerstown, Maryland, the C-119 played a critical role in the successful retrieval of the exposed film canisters dropped from the Corona satellites.

“Condor” Aircraft Makes Final Flight to Hagerstown, Maryland

HAGERSTOWN, MD News (2/16/2023) – On February 15, 2023, the 147th Attack Wing of the Texas Air National Guard retired its RC-26 Condor aircraft to the Hagerstown Aviation Museum in Maryland. The RC-26 has served the 147th Attack Wing, and the Air National Guard, with distinction for over 30 years and has been a critical workhorse in various missions around the world. Its retirement to the museum will serve as a reminder of its contribution to the Air National Guard and the sacrifices made by those who have served our State and Nation.

Hagerstown Aviation Museum’s Collection Grows with the Addition of the RC-26B “CONDOR” Aircraft

HAGERSTOWN, MD News (2/14/2023) – The Hagerstown Aviation Museum is eagerly awaiting the arrival of a 1993 Fairchild RC-26B “CONDOR” Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR) Aircraft on February 15, 2023. This aircraft has been retired from active service after serving state and federal authorities in various missions, including combatting narcotics, providing photographs of flood damage, identifying search and rescue sites for the US Coast Guard, and searching for forest fires. The aircraft uses infrared and electro-optical imaging to find and map targets.

Washington County Commissioners Appoint New Airport Director

HAGERSTOWN, MD News (10/27/2022) – The Washington County Board of County Commissioners recently announced the appointment of Neil Doran as Airport Director for Hagerstown Regional Airport.

Doran comes to Washington County Government with an extensive background in aviation. He became actively engaged in aviation studies in 2007 and began working full-time in the aviation sector in December 2013 as a Line Service Technician for Robinson Aviation. Doran then accepted an opportunity to manage Delta Airlines below-wing ramp operations at Hartford-Bradley International Airport.