National Air and Space Museum

I've referenced it previously, but I've never actually spoken a whole lot about the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.

Located in Washington, DC., and part of the Smithsonian Institution, it is home to the world's largest collection of historic aircraft and spacecraft. It's actually a set of two museums, one on the Mall and one at Dulles Intl. Airport. Both house amazing exhibits and showcase pieces of aviation history, including the Wright Flyer, the Enola Gay (the B-29 that dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima), ballistic missiles, fighter aircraft, a space shuttle, a lunar lander, and a whole lot more! The best part about the museum is that it's fun for all ages. Kids can enjoy the fun, adventurous atmosphere, while adults can enjoy the the finer aspects of the history behind each aircraft/spacecraft.

One of the most fun parts about the museum is the guided tours. The docents offer a very interesting insight into the histories of each of the aircraft featured, and the aviators who flew them. You'll definitely leave the museum knowing a whole lot more about aviation than you did when you entered! For a guy like me, who's obsessed with anything to do with airplanes, it was a heavenly experience!

The Lawnmower of Death

During the Persian Gulf War, captured Iraqi soldiers would recount to their interrogators their fear of the "noise". As it turns out, this "noise" was the lawnmower-like whirring of the engine of a RQ-2 Pioneer drone. After the drone passed over, the Iraqi soldiers knew the massive guns of the Iowa-class battleships would send  shells hurtling their way soon after, raining death and destruction from afar. 

In one case, the Iraqis actually surrendered (no kidding!) to an RQ-2 drone. That drone is now on display at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC. Check it out, sometime!

http://www.nasm.si.edu/collections/artifact.cfm?id=A20000794000