RealClean Aircraft Detailing Supports Preservation of Historic Martin RB-57A Canberra and F-14 at New England Air Museum

RealClean Aircraft Detailing of Connecticut is proud to support the New England Air Museum in the restoration, preservation and ongoing care of two significant aircraft in its collection: the museum’s 1954 Martin RB-57A Canberra and Grumman F-14B Tomcat.

Working alongside the museum’s restoration team and volunteers, RealClean is providing specialized aircraft cleaning, surface-care and preservation services designed to improve the appearance of the aircraft while helping protect their historic exterior surfaces.

The project brings together RealClean’s experience caring for modern business and general aviation aircraft with the New England Air Museum’s longstanding commitment to preserving historically significant aircraft and aviation artifacts.

“These aircraft represent important chapters in American military and aviation history,” said Michael Schlechter, President of RealClean Aircraft Detailing Connecticut. “Our team is honored to contribute its aircraft-care expertise and work alongside the museum’s dedicated restoration professionals and volunteers. The objective is not simply to make the aircraft look better, but to approach every surface carefully and help support their long-term preservation.”

The Martin RB-57A Canberra was an American-built version of the English Electric Canberra jet bomber. Manufactured by the Glenn L. Martin Company, the aircraft represents an important period in the development of early jet-powered military aviation.

The Grumman F-14B Tomcat is one of the most recognizable carrier-based fighters ever operated by the United States Navy. Its variable-sweep wings, long-range interception capabilities and prominent role in naval aviation made it an enduring symbol of American aerospace engineering.

RealClean’s work is being coordinated with museum personnel to ensure that the cleaning processes, materials and techniques used are appropriate for historically significant aircraft. Services may include careful exterior cleaning, removal of accumulated environmental contamination, surface evaluation, polishing and other preservation-focused treatments as determined by the condition of each aircraft.

“Maintaining outdoor and large-aircraft exhibits requires ongoing attention and specialized knowledge,” said Joshua D. Taylor, Collections Manager for the New England Air Museum. “Support from organizations such as RealClean Aircraft Detailing helps us care for these important aircraft and preserve them for future generations of visitors.”

Based in Stratford, Connecticut, RealClean Aircraft Detailing provides mobile professional aircraft appearance and preservation services throughout Connecticut and surrounding areas. Its services include aircraft washing and detailing, paint revitalization, window polishing, brightwork restoration, interior detailing and protective coating applications, and leather restoration and re-dye.

The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to preserving aviation history, supporting aerospace education and ensuring that historically important aircraft remain engaging and accessible to the public.