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B-29 Superfortress Coming to Southern Illinois

Southern Illinois residents are in for a treat next week when a famous WW II aircraft will find its way to the area. The Commemorative Air Force's Boeing B-29 Super fortress bomber FIFI will fly into the Southern Illinois Airport in Carbondale, alongside several other aircrafts. This famous aircraft is the last of its kind that is still able to fly.

Sam Hoskins, a local resident assisting with the event, says this is a great opportunity for kids and adults to get an idea of what it was like to serve in World War II when they see these unique aircrafts.

Former Southern Illinois University aviation student David Oliver will be at the controls when the B-29 lands at the Southern Illinois Airport. Oliver is the youngest B-29 aircraft commander in the history of the CAF.  He is also the B-29/B-24 Squadron operations officer and a B-29 instructor pilot. Recently Oliver worked with former SIU professor Charles Rodriguez and aviation technology department chair Michael Burgener to develop an intern program for aviation technology students. SIU student Michael Szemplinski traveled with the B-29 on the first half of its summer tour.  Szemplinski got a first hand look at what it takes to keep the B-29, with its four Curtiss-Wright 3350 hybrid engines, in tip top shape while it is out on the road.

The B-29 will be accompanied into Carbodnale by a B-24 Liberator Diamond Lil, and a P-51 Mustang. Other historic military airplanes include the only flying Curtiss SB2C Helldiver,  a C-45 Expeditor, T-6 Texan and a PT-13 Stearman.  The planes are expected to land in Carbondale on Friday, July 19 between 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm.  Hoskins says the aircraft will be on display at the Southern Illinois Airport until Saturday morning when they will move to Williamson County Regional Airport for rides and static display Saturday and Sunday. 
 
The mission of the CAF is to honor the men and women who built, maintained and flew these airplanes during World War II.
 

Jeff Williams is the Associate Director for Radio and Station Manager for WSIU Radio. Jeff is a native of southern Illinois and has been in broadcasting for 30 years. Contact WSIU Radio at 618-453-6101 or email wsiuradio@wsiu.org
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