The Commemorative Air Force has begun its AirPower History Tour, calling at eight stops across the US
The CAF tour features the organisation’s two ‘heavies’ – Boeing B-29 Superfortress FiFi and Consolidated B-24 Liberator Diamond Lil. Currently at Chicago-DuPage (until July 23, 2023), one or both of the aircraft are set to appear at the following destinations:
Chicago-DuPage, Illinois
July 19-23, 2023
Terre Haute, Indiana
August 2-6, 2023
Toledo, Ohio
August 9-10, 2023
Ypsilanti, Michigan
Thunder Over Michigan
August 12-13, 2023
Peoria, Illinois
August 16-20, 2023
St. Louis, Missouri
August 23-27, 2023
Springfield, Missouri
August 30 - September 4, 2023
Dallas, Texas
Aviation Discovery Fest
November 10-12, 2023
The bombers may be joined by other historic aircraft of the CAF, other museums, and/or partner organisations at various locations.
The B-29 was acquired by the CAF in the early 1970s when group of members found it at the US Navy Proving Ground at China Lake, California where it was being used as a missile target. The aircraft was rescued and restored and flew for over 30 years until 2006 when it underwent a complete power plan refit. Following an extensive four-year $3m restoration that included replacing all four engines with new custom-built hybrid units, it returned to the sky in 2010 – and it’s been delighting airshow crowds ever since.
Contracted to be built for France in 1940 and later redirected to Great Britain as AM927, the B-24 was the 25th made out of a total of 18,482 Liberators. Post-war AM927 was painted in the colours of the 98th Bomb Group and given the name Diamond Lil. It has travelled extensively throughout the US and made an Atlantic crossing to Britain in 1992. Keeping this unique machine flying is a true labour of love for the CAF and all involved in its upkeep. With thanks to Tony Sacketos
