Two historic, World War II-era warbirds and legends will partner at the Great Bend AirFest in September. B-29 Doc and the North American P-51 Mustang known as “Gunfighter” will join forces September 19 through 22 for ride flight experiences during the air show in Great Bend.
“The connection between the P-51 Mustang and the B-29 Superfortress is indeed special due to their interdependent roles in the Allied air campaign during World War II,” said Josh Wells, B-29 Doc executive director. “The presence of the P-51 in the Pacific theater of the war allowed B-29s to carry out their bombing missions with increased safety and effectiveness. Together, these aircraft demonstrated how different components of air power could complement each other to achieve strategic goals.”
B-29 Doc is one of 1,644 B-29s built by the Boeing Company in Wichita, Kan., during World War II, and one of only two B-29 aircraft still airworthy and flying today. This year (2024) marks 80 years since Doc rolled off the assembly line in 1944.
“Gunfighter” is a P-51 D Model Mustang, serial number 73264, built in the Inglewood, California, North American plant and was delivered to the USAAF in March of 1945, which is the same month and year B-29 Doc was delivered to the USAAF. Gunfighter was shipped to England in 1945 and assigned to the “Mighty Eighth” Air Force. When the war in Europe ended in July of 1945, the aircraft was assigned back in the U.S. at Olmstead Field in Pennsylvania before it was retired in 1956 (the same year Doc retired from military duty).
It’s the second time this tour season that B-29 Doc and P-51 “Gunfighter” have worked together to bring the historic connection between the two aircraft to life. Both appeared in Columbia, MO, in July.
“Teaming up with B-29 Doc brings a unique past in our nation’s history to life,” said Larry Lumpkin, Gunfighter Team Lead. “Both of these aircraft played a pivotal role in World War II, and bringing both to Kansas and a city that played a crucial role in the training of our nation’s arsenal of pilots, aircrew and maintainers, will further tell the story of what it was like to fly in these iconic airplanes.”
Flight experience tickets for B-29 Doc and P-51 Gunfighter are on sale now at www.b29doc.com/rides. Both aircraft will be on display during the Great Bend AirFest and all flight experience ticket holders must have an air show ticket. More information about the Great Bend AirFest can be found at www.greatbendairfest.com.
About Doc’s Friends and B-29 Doc
Doc’s Friends, Inc., is a 501c3 non-profit board managing the operation of the Boeing B-29 Superfortress known as Doc. Doc is a B-29 Superfortress and one of 1,644 manufactured in Wichita during World War II. It is one of only two remaining B-29s that are still airworthy and flying today. The mission of Doc’s Friends is to HONOR the men and women who sacrificed so much for the freedom of others, including those who designed, built, maintained and flew the B-29 during and after WWII. CONNECT people with the rich heritage of the B-29 and allow aviation enthusiasts to experience the thrill of a B-29 up close. EDUCATE today’s and future generations on the contributions of the Greatest Generation during wartime.
About the B-29 Doc History Restored Tour and B-29 Doc Flight Experience
Each year, B-29 Doc travels to cities across the United States to allow aviation enthusiasts a chance to B-29 Doc up-close and personal. Doc’s annual tour mission includes an average of 100 flight hours, beginning in early April and spanning through the summer until late October. Tour stops include ground and flight deck tours, as well as B-29 Doc Flight Experiences. The B-29 Doc Flight Experience will last approximately 90 minutes and include a 30-minute ride. Prior to takeoff, passengers will experience a crew briefing and learn more about the history of the B-29 and the role it played in U.S. history. Passengers will also get to hear and see the sights and sounds of engine starts and run-ups prior to takeoff.
About P-51 Gunfighter
Gunfighter is one of the world’s most famous P-51 Mustangs. The aircraft has been offering ride flights and thrilling crowds at air shows for more than 40 years. Its mission is to honor the sacrifices of those who have served and inspire the next generation of aviators. The aircraft is a P-51 D Model Mustang, serial number 44-73264. Of the approximately 15,000 P-51s produced during WWII, less than 150 airworthy examples exist world-wide in museums, flying or under restoration. Gunfighter is owned and operated by the Commemorative Air Force (CAF). The CAF is the largest operator of historic aircraft in the world with over 175 aircraft and 13,000 members. For more information, visit www.p51gunfighter.com or follow us on social media.