Midland Army Airfield Foundation
Midland Army Airfield Foundation
Our goal
To preserve the history of the Midland Army Airfield. Working together with the High Sky Wing, and their museum, located at the Midland Air and Space Port, we believe this is possible.
Facilities
Sloan Airfield was started in 1927 when Samuel Addison leased 220 acres of pastureland from Clarence Scharbauer to establish a privately owned landing field and flying school.
In mid-December 1941 the first contingency of troops arrived to establish the Army Air Forces Bombardier School.
The air field was deactivated as a military installation on June 15, 1946, and returned to the city of Midland on July 1, 1947.
The Cadets
The first cadet on the field was Cadet John C. Odom of Jacksonville, Florida. He was part of the first class beginning training in February of 1943 and graduating in April of that same year.
The Airfield's last graduating class finished in February of 1946. The Airfield graduated a total of 6,652 bombardiers, which made up 1/16th of the total Army Air Corp bombardiers.
Hell from heaven
During its time of operation the Airfield's nickname was "Hell from Heaven". The name was fitting due to the dropping of 1,245,107 bombs and flying 851,510 hours in AT-11s.
For more details on the Airfield storied history please click the link below.
The Planes
Beechcraft AT-11 Kansan
The Planes
Beechcraft AT-11 Kansan
During World War II, over 4,500 Beech 18s saw military service in multiple roles throughout all branches of the U.S. military. Bombardier cadets at the Midland Army Airfield trained in the aircrew trainer version of the Beechcraft 18 (Twin Beech) designated AT-11 Kansan. Over 90% of all USAAF bombardiers and navigators trained in the AT-11.
General Characteristics
- 2 Pilots
- 6 Passengers
- Empty Weight: 6,175 lbs
- Range: 1,200 mi at 160 mph
- Maximum Speed: 225mph
- Service Ceiling: 26,000 ft
- Rate of Climb: 1,850 ft/min