Addison, Texas (PRWEB) December 13, 2013
The Commemorative Air Force’s (CAF) iconic Boeing B-29 Superfortress bomber FIFI -- the only remaining flying example of the aircraft in the world --- returns to Florida this February and March. FIFI will visit local airports in 10 Florida cities accompanied by the true combat veteran P-51 Mustang The Brat III, and other historic World War II military airplanes. Other aircraft include the famous C-45 Expeditor Bucket of Bolts; a T-6 Texan; and a Fairchild PT-19. Additional CAF airplanes will join the tour in several cities. The aircraft, all part of the CAF AirPower History Tour, will be on display and offering rides throughout each stop.
The CAF AirPower History Tour brings aircraft, pilots and crews from over 70 CAF units across the country together to create an ever changing assortment of touring military aircraft. The airplanes bring the sights, smells and sounds of World War II aviation history to audiences across the United States. These aircraft are powerful “hands on” history lessons for young and old alike.
The Florida tour stops include:
Pensacola, February 13 – 16
Leesburg, February 17 – 19
Clearwater, February 20 – 23
Sarasota, February 25 – March 2
Naples, March 3 – 5
Ft. Myers, March 6 – 9
Lakeland, March 11 – 16
Vero Beach, March 17 – 19
Orlando, March 20 – 23
Deland, March 25 – 26
Jacksonville, March 27 – 30
Visitors pay a nominal admission fee at the gate. All of the airplanes will be on static display when they are not flying. B-29 cockpit tours are included in the admission price and rides are available in most of the airplanes. Ride prices range from $65 to $1995. Ride reservations may be made at http://www.AirPowerTour.org where additional information about each tour stop can 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.
About the B-29 Superfortress
The Boeing B-29 Superfortress, first flown in 1942, began active service in 1944 and is perhaps 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.
About the CAF’s B-29 Superfortress, FIFI:
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, California where she was being used as a missile target. The airplane was rescued and restored and flew for over thirty 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. Learn more about FIFI and her tour schedule at http://www.AirPowerTour.org.
About the P-51 Mustang:
The P-51 is one of the most revered fighters in WWII and possibly the greatest airplane ever designed. It entered service in Europe in the spring of 1944 as a primary long-range escort fighter. It held 1,880 rounds of .50 (fifty) caliber in six guns, a flying range of 1,650 miles with external drop tanks, and a top speed of 440 mph at 30,000 feet. Mustangs were a deadly opponent in battle and destroyed 4,950 enemy aircraft in the air, more than any other US fighter in WWII. P-51s were flown in the pacific theater by the end of 1944 and escorted B-29s on long range missions to Japan. More than 13,500 P-51s were built and flown in the U.S. Air Force into the mid 1950s.
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 non-profit educational association, the CAF has more than 8,000 members and a fleet of over 150 airplanes distributed throughout the country to 70 units located in 27 states for care and operation. For more information, visit http://www.commemorativeairforce.org.