World’s Only Flying B-29 Superfortress Coming to Fayetteville

Staff Report

Courtesy Photo:
The Boeing B-29 Superfortress, first flown in 1942, began active service in 1944 and is best known as the aircraft whose missions over Japan helped bring about the end of World War II.

Residents of Fayetteville will experience “hands on” history this Thursday when “FIFI,” the Commemorative Air Force’s iconic Boeing B-29 Superfortress bomber, flies into Drake Field for Bikes, Blues and BBQ. Famous air show performer and local resident Matt Younkin will be at the controls. The B-29 is the only remaining Superfortress in the world still flying. “FIFI” and other vintage military aircraft will be on display at the Arkansas Air and Military Museum, 4290 School House Road in Fayetteville Sept. 25 through Sept. 28. Accompanying aircraft include the famous C-45 Expeditor Bucket of Bolts and two open cockpit trainers – a PT-17 Stearman and a Fairchild PT-19. Visitors may tour the B-29 cockpit and purchase rides in all of the airplanes.

The Boeing B-29 Superfortress, first flown in 1942, began active service in 1944 and is best known as the aircraft whose missions over Japan helped bring about the end of World War II. It was designed as a replacement for the older B-17s and B-24s, with longer range and greater bomb loads. 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,” celebrating her 40th year of flight with the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) in 2014, is visiting local airports throughout the United States this year as the feature aircraft in the CAF AirPower History Tour. The tour brings aircraft, pilots and crews from over 60 CAF units located throughout the country together to create an ever changing assortment of touring military aircraft. These aircraft are powerful “hands on” history lessons bringing the sights, smells and sounds of World War II aviation history to audiences across the United States.

Admission cost is $15 for adults and $10 for children age 11-17. Children age 10 and under are free. The airplanes will be on static display when they are not flying. Museum admission and free B-29 cockpit tours are included in the admission price. Ride prices range from $75 to $1595. Ride reservations may be made at www.AirPowerTour.org where additional information about the tour stop may also be found.

The Commemorative Air Force honors the men and women who built, maintained and flew in these airplanes during World War II. The organization believes that is best accomplished by maintaining the airplanes in flying condition; taking the airplanes to the people allowing them to experience the sight and sound of the aircraft in flight.