Gary Albrecht flies the B-29 Doc, May 2022. (KSN Photo)
“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,” Josh Wells, B-29 Doc executive director, said in a news release. “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.”
Doc was built at Wichita’s Boeing plant in 1944. It is one of only two B-29s still flying today. Gunfighter was built in California and was assigned to the “Mighty Eighth” Air Force. Both planes were retired from military duty in 1956.
P-51 Mustang Gunfighter (Courtesy Scott Slocum)
The Great Bend AirFest will be the second time Doc and Gunfighter have appeared together this tour season. Last month, they were together in Columbia, Missouri.
“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.”
Doc and Gunfighter will be in Great Bend from Sept. 19-22 for ride-flight experiences. Tickets are on sale now at B29Doc.com/rides . All flight experience ticket holders must also have an air show ticket .
The Great Bend AirFest is Sept. 20-22 at Great Bend Municipal Airport. In addition to Doc and Gunfighter, the show will include Skip Stewart, Franklin’s Flying Circus, Randy Ball, Matt Younkin, Bob Freeman Airshows, Vertigo Sailplane Airshows, Ghostwriter Airshows, Mini-Jet Airshows, Chuters Parachute Team, Hot Streak Jet Truck, and many other attractions.
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