The only airworthy B-29 Superfortress returns to flight


The Commemorative Air Force has been restoring its B-29 Superfortress – the only flying example of this iconic World War II bomber – over the past few years. It’s now back in the air, and will once again delight audiences at air shows around the USA.

Here’s a video of its first test flight after restoration. I highly recommend watching it in full-screen mode.

Fascinating – and very evocative!

Peter

8 comments

  1. About 1983 I was bicycling through the Missouri countryside. As I crested a rise, a huge silver 4-engine aircraft roared over me and descended into the valley ahead.

    "HOLY S**T, that was a B-29!!" I said to myself, and followed it into the valley in time to see her land, with man-high letters on the nose: FIFI. Good to see her back.

  2. There should have been two, but Darryl Greenamyer had to take shortcuts with the Kee Bird.

    Good job, Darryl…NOT!

  3. In 1979, I was driving back from town, and sticking up over the hangars at Lubbock Municipal Airport was that tail. I was hanging on the fence just drinking her in, when a ratty old VW pulled up.

    The old mechanic opened up the gate, handed me a couple parts and said come on in.

    I was stunned at how big she was. He swore out loud about how much oil was leaking from the #1 engine. He asked me to pass the parts up to him thru the hatch, and "come on up." WOW!!!!!!

    I sat in the left hand seat, saw the Norden bomb sight donated by Col. Tennessee Ernie Ford, saw the little padded hole to get in the back. I couldn't believe how big it was in there.

    That was the chance of a lifetime!!! I don't even know his name, but he had a lifelong impact on me. Happy to see her back where she belongs.

    STxRynn

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