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Big bombers ready to land here Monday
Details are being finalized for the arrival of two historic aircraft in McCook next week for Heritage Days and the McCook Army Air Base Historical Society.
The world's only flying B-29 Superfortress, "Fifi," will arrive at the McCook Municipal Airport on Monday and leave a week later, on Monday, Sept. 30.
The wold's oldest flying B-24/LB 30 Liberator, "Diamond Lil," will accompany Fifi.
Both planes are types which were based at the McCook Army Air Base in World War II.
Fifi and Diamond Lil are among 129 historic aircraft owned and operated by the Commemorative Air Force Inc., formerly known as the Confederate Air Force, a non-profit organization based in Midland, Texas. The CAF's primary mission is to preserve history and teach lessons learned from the past to protect the future and inspire young people of today.
The B-29 Superfortress, built by Boeing, has been called the weapon that won the war in the Pacific during World War II. Designed to eventually replace the B-17 and the B-24, the B-29 flew its maiden voyage on Sept. 21, 1942. Of more than 3,000 B-29s built, Fifi is the only example still flying.
The Diamond Lil, with a wingspan of 110 feet and length exceeding 66 feet, this metal giant's Pratt & Whitney engines consume 200 gallons of fuel per hour. Together, they comprise the CAF's B-29/B-24 Squadron.
The historic aircraft will be available for viewing and cockpit tours beginning on Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, continuing through Sunday evening until 6 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for youths 9-13, and free for children under 9 years, accompanied by an adult. Cockpit and aircraft tours also will be available for the B-29, $5 for adults, $3 for youth 9-13 and free to children under 9, accompanied by an adult. B-24 aircraft tours are $3 to adults, $1 to youths 9-13 and free to children under 9 years, accompanied by an adult. People in uniform, military, firefighters, policemen, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and Civil Air Patrol members are admitted free.
B-24 rides will be available on Sunday, Sept. 29. More information is available by calling (915) 413-4100.
A PX also will be set up to allow visitors to purchase commemorative items and collectibles related to Squadron aircraft.
The Squadron consists of volunteers, and many are war veterans with interesting stories to share. Proceeds are used to maintain the B-29 and B-24.
"We're excited to be visiting your city and encourage everyone to come out," said Sherry Johnson, B-29/B-24 Squadron Tour Director. "This is a great way for veterans to touch the memories of the past and for youth to catch a glimpse of America's rich history.
In-depth information about Tour 2002, the Squadron, Fifi, Diamond Lil and the CAF is available at 222.cafb29b24.org, including photos and video.
Special arrangements can be made to cover aircraft arrival and departure and to arrange interviews.