The Boeing B-29 Superfortress, a behemoth of World War II aviation, first took to the skies in 1942. Renowned for its cutting-edge technology including a pressurized cabin, remote-controlled gun turrets, and significant bomb-carrying capacity, the B-29 quickly became indispensable to the United States military during the war. Production ramped up dramatically, with Boeing producing as many as 16 B-29s every single day at the peak of WWII. Between 1943 and 1946, over 4,000 of these aircraft were manufactured. Following the conclusion of the war, the vast majority of B-29s were unfortunately scrapped or placed into long-term storage. Today, only a precious few remain in airworthy condition, a testament to the dedication of those who preserve aviation history.
Perhaps most famously, the B-29 is remembered for its role in ending World War II through the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945. The B-29 “Enola Gay,” named after the mother of pilot Col. Paul Tibbets, dropped the “Little Boy” uranium bomb on Hiroshima. “Bockscar,” another B-29, delivered the “Fat Man” plutonium bomb to Nagasaki. While neither of these historically significant aircraft are still flying, they are preserved as museum pieces. The Enola Gay is on display at the Smithsonian Institution’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, while Bockscar resides at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio.
The Few Remaining Airworthy B-29s
Out of the thousands of B-29 Superfortresses that were originally manufactured, only a small number, approximately two, are currently airworthy. These operational B-29s are cherished and meticulously maintained by museums, private foundations, and dedicated collectors. Keeping these complex machines flying requires immense effort, resources, and constant maintenance.
Notable Flying Examples: FIFI and Doc
The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) is a key organization in preserving these aircraft and is notably associated with two flying B-29s, not three as mentioned in the original article which had outdated information. FIFI is one of the two currently flying and is recognized as the oldest B-29 still in operation, having been produced in 1945. The other currently flying B-29 is Doc. Owned by Doc’s Friends, based in Wichita, Kansas, Doc underwent a remarkable multi-year restoration project and returned to flight in 2016, becoming a symbol of perseverance and dedication to aviation history. The mention of a third flying B-29, Kee Bird, is inaccurate as it was never restored to flight after its recovery attempt failed. Kee Bird remains inoperable.
Other B-29s and Restoration Efforts
While FIFI and Doc are the only two currently flying, other B-29s exist in museums and are undergoing restoration. The original article mentions Diamond Lil, however, this aircraft was renamed to “FIFI” in 1971 and is the same aircraft mentioned above. There are indeed other B-29 airframes in various stages of preservation and restoration around the United States. These projects offer hope that perhaps in the future, more B-29s might grace the skies again.
Conclusion: A Living Reminder of Aviation History
Considering the sheer number of B-29s built and the fact that most were scrapped after the war, it is truly remarkable that even two have been preserved and are maintained in flying condition today. The ongoing operation of these enormous and intricate aircraft is a testament to the unwavering commitment of maintenance crews, museum staff, and dedicated organizations. Thanks to their tireless efforts, people today can still witness the awe-inspiring sight and sound of a B-29 Superfortress in flight. These flying B-29s serve as a powerful and living reminder of the monumental technological advancements and the significant air campaigns of World War II, ensuring that future generations can connect with this crucial piece of aviation history.
