What’s up, Doc: B-29 to make hometown appearance at 2018 Air Show

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Erin McClellan
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan.— In 2016, the B-29 Superfortress known as Doc took to the skies for the first time in 60 years from McConnell’s runway. This year, it will be showing off at the base in a different way.

Doc is scheduled to be one of many attractions at the Frontiers in Flight Open House and Air Show Sept. 8-9. During the event, the 74-year-old aircraft will be on display for cockpit tours, and it may even complete a few demonstration flights.

In 1944, the bomber was built in Wichita and was delivered to the U.S. Army Air Corp in 1945. It was later retired along with the rest of its squadron, the Seven Dwarfs, and was used as a target in the Mojave Desert for 42 years.

After it was rescued from the desert, Doc was returned to Wichita in pieces. It took 16 years to restore it to flying status. Now, the aircraft is ready to participate in its first air show in its hometown.

"We are extremely proud to be a part of the open house and air show,” said Josh Wells, Doc’s Friends communications director. “This is a Wichita-built and Wichita-restored airplane, and being able to showcase the hard work of our volunteers in our home city will be the highlight of our 2018 tour season.”