The Soviet Union produced an unlicensed reverse-engineered copy as the Tupolev Tu-4. The Royal Air Force flew the B-29 as the Washington until phasing out the type in 1954. The B-29 served in various roles throughout the 1950s. One of the B-29's final roles during World War II was carrying out the atomic bomb attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.ĭue to the B-29's highly advanced design for its time, unlike many other World War II-era bombers, the Superfortress remained in service long after the war ended, with a few even being employed as flying television transmitters for the Stratovision company. Designed for high-altitude strategic bomber role, the B-29 also excelled in low-altitude nighttime incendiary bombing missions. The name "Superfortress" continued the pattern Boeing started with its well-known predecessor, the B-17 Flying Fortress. A manned tail gun installation was semi-remote. It featured a pressurized cabin, all dual wheeled, tricycle landing gears, and a remote, electronic fire-control system that controlled four machine gun turrets.
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The flight took Doc to Whiteman AFB, Missouri to be part of the Wings Over Whiteman Airshow and open house June 10th and 11th, to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the Air Force.Flown primarily by the United States during World War II and the Korean War, the real-life Boeing B-29 Superfortress was one of the largest aircraft operational during World War II and very advanced for its time. This helps us connect those that are here today to those that have come before us, and how important it is to understand what they did for us. They’re going to get to educate tens of thousands of people about the B-29 because they poured their heart and souls into this airplane. “We’re excited for (the volunteers), and their continued work. “When you think about Doc and you think about Fifi and all these warbirds that we have, they’re labors of love,” he said. Tibbets IV emphasized his appreciation for the time and effort the volunteers put into restoring Doc and bringing this piece of history back to life. It’ll be a great time to chat and catch up over our hour-long flight.” “I’ve known (Tibbets IV) for years and we’ll each get a turn to fly. “Doc is a piece of history, and the Tibbets name is historic because anyone who knows WWII knows about the general’s grandfather, Paul Tibbets Jr.,” said Novak. “When we have the opportunity to embrace that kind of heritage and that kind of history, it’s a real privilege and an honor.”īefore the flight, Doc’s pilot, Mark Novak, described the significance of having Tibbets IV on board. “It’s really about upholding the legacy of those who have come before,” he said. Now, 72 years after the historic WWII mission and nearly 10 years after the passing of his grandfather, Tibbets IV, who is traditionally a B-1 Lancer pilot and currently a B-2 Spirit pilot, once again boarded a B-29 to honor his grandfather. It was a great opportunity for me to be with him.” He and I got to fly Fifi together, which was awesome. “He had given up aviation and had not flown in any aircraft in a very long time. “The only time I ever flew with my grandfather was with Fifi,” said Tibbets IV. Paul Tibbets Jr., who piloted the B-29 Enola Gay when the aircraft and its crew dropped an atomic bomb on Japan, helping end World War II. In 1998, Tibbets IV, flew Fifi with his grandfather, retired Brig. Taking control of the aircraft means he has now flown the only two currently operational B-29s, Doc and Fifi. Paul Tibbets IV, the 509th Bomb Wing commander. (AFNS) - Wichita’s beloved B-29 Superfortress, Doc, took to the skies yet again June 9, 2017, from McConnell Air Force Base, this time with an added aspect of historical significance and Air Force heritage.