The skies over West Chicago will soon resonate with the iconic sounds of World War II aircraft as the AirPower History Tour lands at DuPage Airport this July. The tour, organized by the Commemorative Air Force, will feature several vintage planes, including the rare B-29 Superfortress “FIFI.”
Visitors can look forward to seeing other notable aircraft such as the B-25 Mitchell “Show Me,”
a T-6 Texan, a PT-13 Stearman, an RC-45J Expeditor, and the P-51 Mustang “Gunfighter.” The tour offers a unique opportunity to get up close to these historic planes, purchase rides, and tour the B-29 cockpit.
The aircraft will arrive at DuPage Airport, located at 2700 International Drive, on Monday, July 15, with the P-51 Mustang joining on Wednesday, July 17. Public tours and rides will be available from Wednesday through Sunday, July 17-21, between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Admission to the event is $20 for adults, $10 for children aged 11-17, and is free for children 10 and under. The T-6 Texan, PT-13 Stearman, and RC-45J Expeditor will offer rides throughout the event, while the P-51 Mustang will be available for rides starting Thursday. The B-29 will fly on Saturday and Sunday mornings, with additional flights by the B-25 on Thursday through Sunday.
Advance bookings for rides and more event details are available at AirPowerTour.org.
About the Featured Aircraft:
B-29 Superfortress “FIFI”:
This aircraft, known for its role in ending World War II and later service in the Korean War, is one of only two B-29s still flying. “FIFI” was acquired by the CAF in 1971 and has toured since 1974.
P-51 Mustang: Renowned for its speed, range, and effectiveness in combat, the P-51 was a favorite among Allied forces during World War II. It could travel 1,300 miles, providing crucial support to bombers.
T-6 Texan: Dubbed the “Pilotmaker,” this advanced trainer prepared new pilots for combat. It featured a closed cockpit and was known for its speed.
PT-13 Stearman: A primary trainer for military pilots, this iconic bi-plane offered an open cockpit, providing a nostalgic flying experience.
RC-45J Expeditor: Originally a civilian model, the Beech SNB served the US Military in various roles, including transport and training. Many continue to operate post-military.
About the Commemorative Air Force:
The CAF boasts the world’s largest flying museum, with a fleet of over 170 World War II aircraft maintained by 12,000 volunteers. The organization aims to honor American military aviation through flights, exhibitions, and educational programs. More information can be found at www.commemorativeairforce.orgwww.commemorativeairforce.org
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to witness and experience these historic aircraft in action at WeGo’s DuPage Airport.
