OSHKOSH, WIS. – Two of World War II’s most iconic aircraft, the Boeing B-29 Superfortress and the Consolidated B-24 Liberator, will be back at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in 2013 as part of the Commemorative Air Force’s “Ghost Squadron.” The airplanes will be among the two most noteworthy of the hundreds of warbird aircraft at Oshkosh in 2013, as they will participate in AirVenture air shows during the week. In addition, the B-29 will be available for flights during AirVenture week, based at Outagamie County Regional Airport in Appleton (20 miles north).
The Boeing B-29 FIFI operated by the CAF is the only one still flying in the world. It was discovered at a Navy weapons center near China Lake, Calif., in 1971 and brought to Texas. It was first flown at air shows in 1974 and has been continually restored and upgraded, most recently this past winter with the replacement of one of the Curtiss-Wright 3350 engines. The airplane was christened “FIFI” in 1974 in honor of the wife of Col. Victor N. Agather, who had been on the wartime development team for the aircraft.
The Consolidated B-24 “Diamond Lil” came to the CAF in 1969 after a long history of military and civilian service since the bomber was built in 1941. It was originally restored in the colors of the 98th Bomb Group of the 9th Air Force. In 2006, a major restoration project renewed the aircraft’s original B-24A bomber configuration.
Advance EAA AirVenture tickets at discounted rates, along with camping, parking, flight experiences, and merchandise are available at www.airventure.org/tickets.
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration” and EAA’s yearly membership convention. Additional EAA AirVenture information, including advance ticket and camping purchases, is available online at www.airventure.org. EAA members receive the lowest prices on admission rates. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 1-800-JOIN-EAA (1-800-564-6322) or visit www.eaa.org. Immediate news is available at www.twitter.com/EAAupdate.
