New York National Guard UH 60 Black Hawk Helicopter to Visit Cradle of Aviation

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In conjunction with the showing of the IMAX film STRAIGHT UP Helicopters in Action, the Cradle of Aviation will host a visit by a New York National Guard UH 60 Black Hawk helicopter from the third Battalion 142nd Air Assault Division on Saturday, September, 13th and Sunday, September, 14th from 9am-3pm each day. The Black Hawk is the Army's front-line utility helicopter used for air assault, air cavalry, and aeromedical evacuation units. It is designed to carry 11 combat-loaded air assault troops, and it is capable of moving a 105-millimeter howitzer and 30 rounds of ammunition.

"This is an incredible opportunity for our patrons," said Tom Gwynne Vice President of the Cradle of Aviation. "Visitors to the Leroy R. & Rose W. Grumman IMAX® Dome Theater will not only have an opportunity to learn about the incredible world of helicopter aviation, but they will also be able to get up close to one of the most vital tools used by our of military." Visitors to the Cradle of Aviation will be able get an up-close view of the Blackhawk and have their picture taken with a crewmember.

Narrated by actor Martin Sheen, STRAIGHT UP celebrates the critical, yet often-unheralded role helicopters play in a turbulent world. Sheen's narration guides the audience through a series of heart-pounding missions, each one requiring the unique maneuvering and lifting abilities that make the helicopter an essential tool.

Among the film's sequences are: a U.S. Marine Corps reconnaissance mission; an air-sea U.S. Coast Guard rescue; relocation of endangered black rhinos in South Africa; U.N delivery of humanitarian aid in war-torn Sierra Leone; an air-sea drug interdiction; a dangerous high-tension power line repair; and an alpine rescue and medevac sequence by Rega, the Swiss national air rescue organization, following an avalanche.

According to Gwynne, "When it comes to capturing the experiences of flight, nothing compares to films like this one. Not only are we educating audiences about what helicopters can do, we're inspiring the flyers of tomorrow by showing them the skill and dedication involved in these missions."

STRAIGHT UP director and cinematographer David Douglas has spared no angle to provide the stunning visuals. STRAIGHT UP was filmed over 18 months on three continents: North America, Europe and Africa.

The Cradle of Aviation Museum and its IMAX® Dome Experience is open seven days a week, 10 am through 5 pm. "The Magic of Flight" and "Space Station" play every hour on the hour. The museum is located on Charles Lindbergh Blvd, Garden City, adjacent to Nassau Community College. For further information, please visit www.cradleofaviation.org.