National Air and Space Museum

We went to Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum(also known as Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center) on 14th February located in Chantilly, Virginia near Dulles Airport(IAD).

Brief Summary
Place : Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
Location : Chantilly, VA
Distance : 100 miles(approx.) from Richmond, VA
Group: 4 members.
Transport : Audi A4 2015(black)
Duration: 1 day

Journey
We took the Audi rental around 10:30 am on 14th. Started to the museum around 12 noon. It was warm climate when we started and being Audi journey was more comfort and exciting. Event though we have so many comforts in the car one thing was missing, the auxiliary port. So we could not hear the songs of our choice(Indian Music) in the awesome speakers of Audi. We played some English music and drive through I-95, the busiest inter state highway in US. There was not much traffic to our surprise and were able to accelerate at  decent speed. The drive was very smooth and had not felt any jerks or turbulence all throughout the drive. Had Croissants, Chips on the way which we brought with us during the start. Reached the museum around 2:00 pm. It was bit cold by the time we reached.
                     

     The museum was so big covering vast area of space near the Dulles airport. We finished roaming in the museum and started return journey around 5:30 pm. Temperature was much worse and below zero . Had some photo sessions with Audi and started our journey. The car looked amazing in its dazzling lights. Soon we hit I-95 again and there was little traffic this time. The climate outside worsen with chill winds and light snow rain in some areas. The car was being shaken due toe the heavy winds. The car has automatic vipers system, which made the drive smoother. Reached Richmond around 7:37 pm and by that time there was heavy cold wind storms and snow rain with loud noise of winds. Overall we had a wonderful experience.

Museum
The museum was very big with huge building having various aircraft ( real and prototypes) used in various fields(space, war, passenger carriers). The main attractions of the museum were the blackbird, discovery, Air France airliner, Simulators, Observation Towers, Imax theater and interesting artifacts of space. This real blackbird(one of the 32 planes built) is the fastest and covered L.A to DC in 65 minutes. Highest speed is 2250 mph. The discovery here is a model with half the dimensions of the original one but has some pieces of the original one. The Air France has a very smooth finishing and very huge and was gifted by France authorities to the museum. The Simulator rides were not so fascinating as the planes but good for kids.
                              The observation tower is built to watch the landing and take off of various planes at Dulles airport. But being located far off from airport the planes were not clearly visible and its bit disappointing. There were so many other planes in the hangar showing the history of evolution of technology in air industry. There are various types and models of satellites and other equipment used in space technology explaining the life in space world. They were very fascinating. They have huge  collection of planes including some rare and old models. There was a McDonald's withing the museum, where we had food after the tour of museum is complete. Overall the museum was very nice and gave a space experience. Had a wonderful and memorable day.