Flying Superfortress bomber lands in Springfield next week

People can buy rides on it.

August 10, 2012|edited news release

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- The Commemorative Air Force iconic Boeing B¿29 Superfortress bomber, FIFI ¿¿ the only remaining flying example of the aircraft in the world ¿¿¿ will arrive here on Monday. People will be able to buy rides on it on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Te airplane will fly into Springfield National Airport on Monday and will be on display on Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The airplane will be accompanied by a World War II veteran P¿51 Mustang owned by the Cavanaugh Museum, The Brat III.

Visitors will have the opportunity to purchase rides on both airplanes throughout the stay and B¿29 cockpit tours will be available when the airplane is not flying. More information about purchasing rides and our visit to Springfield can be found at www.RideB29.com.

About the CAF's B¿29 Superfortress, FIFI:

The Boeing B¿29 Superfortress, first flown in 1942, began active service in 1944. It is perhaps best known as the aircraft from which the first atomic bombs were dropped. It was designed as a replacement for the older B¿17s and B¿24s, with longer range and greater bomb load capacity. The B¿29 was also used in the Korean War in the early 1950s and was a staple of the U.S. Air Force until the late 1950s.

FIFI was acquired by the CAF in the early 1970s when a group of CAF members found her at the U.S. Navy Proving Ground at China Lake, Calif., where she was being used as a missile target. The airplane was rescued and restored and flew for more than 30 years until 2006 when the chief pilot made the decision to ground her pending a complete power plant re¿fit.
What followed was an extensive four-year restoration that included replacing all four engines with new custom built hybrid engines. FIFI returned to the sky in 2010 and since that time has traveled coast to coast attracting large crowds at every tour stop.

About the Commemorative Air Force:

Collecting, restoring and flying vintage historical aircraft for more than half a century, the Commemorative Air Force ranks as one of the largest private air forces in the world. The CAF is dedicated to Honoring American Military Aviation through flight, exhibition and remembrance. A nonprofit educational association, the CAF has more than 9,000 members and a fleet of 156 airplanes distributed throughout the country to 72 units located in 27 states for care and operation. For more information, visit www.commemorativeairforce.org.

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