AirPower History Tour Brings Iconic World War II Aircraft to Dubuque Regional Airport

JULY 12, 2024

Two of the rarest World War II bombers, the B-29 Superfortress “FIFI” and the B-25 Mitchell “Show Me,” will be seen in the skies over Dubuque July 26-28 when they visit the Dubuque Regional Airport as part of the Commemorative Air Force (CAF)’s AirPower History Tour. 

The bombers will be accompanied by a T-6 Texan, a PT-13 Stearman, and an RC-45J Expeditor. The AirPower History Tour brings the sights, sounds, and stories of World War II aviation to airports across North America each year. Visitors to the Dubuque Regional Airport will be able to view all aircraft up close, purchase rides, and tour the B-29 and B-25 when the aircraft are not flying.

The aircraft are scheduled to arrive at noon on Thursday, July 25. The planes will be staged at the Dubuque Regional Airport, Captain Martin Terminal, 10965 Aviation Drive, Dubuque, IA 52003. 

The event will be open to the public Friday, July 26, through Sunday, July 28, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. each day. Access to the area where the planes will be parked costs $20 for adults, $10 for children ages 11-17, and is free for children 10 and under. The T-6, the PT-13, and RC-45J will be offering rides all three days. The B-29 will fly on Saturday and Sunday at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. The B-25 will do flights each day at 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.  

Cockpit tours of the B-29 will be available beginning at 9 a.m. on Friday and noon on Saturday and Sunday.

Rides may be booked in advance at AirPowerTour.org where additional information about the event may also be found.

ABOUT THE B-29 SUPERFORTRESS “FIFI”
The Boeing B-29 Superfortress, the largest and most technically advanced aircraft of its time, was first flown in 1942. It began active service in the US Army Air Corp in 1944 and is best known as the aircraft whose missions over Japan helped bring an end to World War II. The B-29 also was used in the Korean War in the early 1950s and was a staple of the U.S. Air Force until 1960. “FiFi”, one of only two B-29’s in the world still flying, was acquired by the CAF in 1971. She began touring in 1974 and has been entertaining air show audiences across the country ever since. 

ABOUT THE P-51 MUSTANG
The North American P-51D Mustang is one of the most recognizable and loved aircraft in aviation history. With its speed, range, and sleek lines, the P-51 became a favorite of Allied fighter pilots and bomber crews. The long-range fighter aircraft had a range of 1,300 miles that enabled it to accompany bombers to their targets and back. It was also faster and more maneuverable than its German and Japanese opponents. 

ABOUT THE T-6 TEXAN 
The North American T-6 Texan, known as the "Pilotmaker”, was an advanced flight trainer that introduced new pilots to a complex aircraft with speed of over 200 miles per hour to prepare them for the planes they would fly in combat in World War II. The T-6 was designed for an instructor and student, and had a closed cockpit.

ABOUT THE PT-13 STEARMAN
The Boeing PT-13 was the primary flight trainer for all branches of the military during World War II. This iconic biplane, almost universally known as the "Stearman,” trained more crews than any other aircraft in World War II. A ride in this open cockpit airplane brings back the wind-in-your-hair feeling of the early days of flying.

ABOUT THE RC-45J EXPEDITOR
The Beech SNB is a US Navy/Marine variant of the civilian Model 18 Twin Beech. Over half of the 10,000 produced from 1937 and 1970 were for the U.S. military, and were used for light transport, photoreconnaissance, navigation, bombing, and gunnery training. Many Twin Beech aircraft survive today after serving post-military as relatively inexpensive, reliable, light cargo aircraft. 

ABOUT THE COMMEMORATIVE AIR FORCE
Through more than six decades of collecting and flying World War II aircraft, the Commemorative Air Force has become the world’s largest flying museum. Their fleet of more than 170 World War II airplanes are assigned to unit locations across the U.S. and are supported by 12,000 volunteer members. Nearly all the aircraft are kept in flying condition, enabling people to experience firsthand the sight and sound of vintage military aircraft in flight. The CAF is dedicated to honoring American military aviation through flight, exhibition, education, and remembrance. 

To learn more about the Commemorative Air Force, please visit www.commemorativeairforce.org.

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MEDIA CONTACT
Jacques Robitaille, Commemorative Air Force Public Information Officer
jrobi1116@outlook.com, 972.977.4245