Last flying B-29 aircraft, made famous during World War II, risks being permanently grounded

FIFI, believed to be the world's last flying B-29 Superfortress, has been grounded as a direct result of engine problems. High repair estimates and associated costs with keeping the storied Boeing aircraft in the skies could mean we've seen the last of a bomber that became an icon of World War II and "the greatest generation." The United States relied heavily upon the B-29 during the latter stages of WWII, utilizing the airship to drop two atomic bombs on Japan before the country ultimately surrendered. Boeing's Superfortress also flew in less violent circumstances: modified versions of the B-29 were used in a number of record-breaking transatlantic flights. Yet as flight technology evolved, the B-29 quickly fell obsolete and would be phased out by the US Air Force in the 1960s.
Until now, FIFI had been something of a flying museum that made stops at air shows and other tour appearances throughout the US. It offered visitors young and old a firsthand look at what had been an incredible feat of engineering in its time, later rising to become an even bigger piece of history. Sadly, repairing the B-29 could cost upwards of $250,000 and that's in addition to massive volunteering efforts required to keep the aircraft operational. For every hour of flight, FIFI commands $10,000 and 100 volunteer hours. Nonetheless a donation campaign has been established in hopes that future generations will have the opportunity to see FIFI as she was intended: in the air.

Read more: Last flying B-29 aircraft, made famous during World War II, risks being permanently grounded | The Verge

 

A great pity.

 

I like to believe they raise fund and have it fly again . Fingers crossed

 

Boeing ought to look into supporting FIFI. It was their bomber in WWII and a great heritage.

 

That would make sense Tex, it would be a nice gesture.

 

I saw Fifi last summer, and the back of the engine coverings (the name escapes me now) weren't looking too good either. Each one several large cracks, and I got the impression that she needed some work.

I hope they get it flying again -- everyone should be able to hear the roar of those R3350s.

 

I am saddened to read that Fifi will not fly again
at least she can still be a static museum piece,where people can see a B-29 in it's entirety

 

I have had the pleasure to see her fly twice, once at an airshow in Victoria Tx., and one at Elington Field south of Houston. Sadly this was quite a few years back. I would love to hear she's flying again but only if they do it right. Otherwise keep her on the ground in some protected location.

 

A one of a kind aircraft like this should be safely enshrined in a museum. It's just too valuable to risk it. Sorry to say.

 

FiFi is back at Addison Airport with repairs are underway. She is on schedule to head for the west coast next month, February.

 

That is good news. Wished I lived back in Dallas.

 

Dallas has its advantages. FiFi is hangered a mile from my office. I shot these yesterday:





Aged:

 

I think this should also remind us all how hard our air crews had to work to keep up the effort of attacking and bombing during the war.....the air crews truly worked incredibly hard keeping these high maintenance machines in the air war. For each plane in the air there were crews so often working without sleep to keep it happening. The efforts to keep them flying took monumental amounts of work. The engine hours expected by today's standards were not very high at all. The combined work of the flyers and the air crews were truly awesome by any measurement.If someone who is a better researcher than I am could do it.....it would be nice to look at the statistics of planes that lasted in combat a long time......how many engine overhauls did it take to keep one going? Any stats would be appreciated.

 

Seeing as how big Boeing is a small donation of 3 million wouldn't even be a pin prick for them yet would go one hell of a long way to helping out FIFI, Come on Boeing do the right thing.