World War II Bombers Rumble Ozarks Sky: A Patriotic Celebration of Historic Planes

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The sights, sounds, and stories of World War II aviation will come to life when the iconic Boeing B-29 Superfortress, FIFI, and the Consolidated B-24 Liberator, DIAMOND LIL, land at Branson Airport. The Bombers are accompanied by a P-51 Mustang, a T-6 Texan, a PT-13 Stearman and a T-34 Mentor. Presented by Branson Airport and the Commemorative Air Force (CAF), the Airpower History Tour makes stops at airports across North America each year. Visitors are able to view the aircraft, visit with the pilots, purchase rides in the aircraft, and tour the B-29 and B-24 cockpits.

"It's a once in a lifetime experience to see and feel these airplanes as they rumble by you. For those who served in WWII, that rumble is the sound of freedom and of service." said Tom Forster, Board member of the Branson Veterans Task Forxe. "The crew, the pilots, flight engineers, even the mechanics who kept them flying, understood their role. Sadly, we are losing so many veterans daily from our greatest generation. Events like this strive to keep their honor and commitment to Country alive for future generations." 

The event is open to the public starting Wednesday, September 18th through Sunday the 22nd 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Supporting aircraft will be offering rides all five days. The B-29 flies on Saturday and Sunday at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. The B-24 files on Saturday and Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

In addition to getting up close and personal with the historic planes, attendees will be treated to several Aerobatic Air Shows on Friday 1 p.m. & 4 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. & 12:45 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. & 1 p.m. by legendary aerobatic pilot Mike Galloway. Area car clubs will also be displaying classic autos throughout the week. Live music and food will be available. A portion of event proceeds and food sales will benefit local groups, the Branson Veterans Task Force, and the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Programs for area youth. 

The Planes will be staged in the Branson Jet Center ramp located at Branson Airport, 130 Wright Brother Road, Hollister, Missouri. Daily access to the event is $20 for adults and $8 for children age 10 through 17. Ages 9 and under are free. The cost of rides ranges from $85 to $1,995 depending on aircraft type. Rides may be booked in advance at AirPowerTour.org where additional information about the event may be found. 

ABOUT THE CAF B-29 SUPERFORTRESS FIFI

TheCommemorative Air Force (CAF) acquired FIFI in 1971 when a member found her at theU.S. Navy Proving Ground at China Lake, California. The airplane was rescued and restored by agroup of CAF volunteers and has been flying for more than 45 years. Since 1974, FIFI has beentraveling coast-to-coast each year honoring the men and women who built, maintained andflew WWII aircraft, and educating the next generation on their service and our history,attracting large crowds at every tour stop. The Boeing B-29 Superfortress was first flown in1942. It beganactive service in the US Army Air Corp in 1944, and is best known as the aircraftwhose missions over Japan helped bring an end to World War II. The B-29alsowas used in the Korean War in the early 1950s and was a staple of the U.S. Air Force until 1960. Learn more about FIFI and her tour schedule at www.airporttour.org. 

ABOUT THE CAF B-24 LIBERATOR DIAMOND LIL

Today, DIAMOND LIL is one of only two airworthy B-24s bombers in existence and is one of the featured aircraft in the CAF AirPower History Tour. The CAF has been bringing LIL to airports throughout the United States since 1968. In the fall of 2018, LIL returned to the skies after a three-year restoration. The Consolidated B‐24 Liberator, first flown in 1939, began active service in 1941 and was the most produced American aircraft of World War II, with 18,482 built. The Liberator was used in every theater of the war and for a variety of missions from long-range bombing and submarine patrol, to transporting high priority cargo and VIPs

ABOUT THE COMMEMORATIVE AIR FORCE

Through more than six decades of collecting and flying World War II aircraft, the CAF hasbecome the world’s largest flying museum. Their fleet of over 170 World War II airplanes areassigned 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 thesight 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 visitwww.commemorativeairforce.org.