SPRING, TEXAS -Nearly 70 years ago, the last B-17 lifted into the air to join the largest air armada ever to fill the skies during WWII, but on Friday June 05, the four giant Wright-Cyclone engines of Texas Raiders, a fully restored B-17 Flying Fortress will be flying into Waco, Texas to reunite veterans from that historic era with this WWII bomber. Of the 12,731 B-17s built across the U.S. only 9 are currently flying – including Texas Raiders which is part of the Commemorative Air Force (CAF). The Heart of Texas Air Show, will feature this iconic B-17 June 06 and 07 as a performer at TSTC (Texas State Technical College) Waco Airport along with a variety of other aircraft including the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. Texas Raiders performs regularly in airshows and flyovers throughout the United States each year and was recently a participant in the Washington DC Arsenal of Democracy Flyover, celebrating the 70th Anniversary of VE Day.
Flying Fortress will be arriving into Waco Friday morning the 5th of June and performing in the air show the 6th and 7th of June, offering visitors a rare chance to see and touch one of history’s most storied heavy bombers. This B-17 is one of the most accurately restored B-17’s featuring period-specific radio equipment and the famous Norden bombsite.For a nominal admission, the public can walk through the vintage B-17, which includes commentary from crew members. For the ultimate in flight experience, a 30-minute ride can be reserved on the classic aircraft, either online at www.B17TexasRaiders.org or by calling 1-855-FLY-A-B17 (1-855-359-2217). Texas Raiders will be on display and in performance at the Heart of Texas Air Show providing an opportunity for all ages to experience living history up close.
About Texas Raiders and the Commemorative Air Force (CAF)
Texas Raiders was delivered to the U.S. Army Air Force July 12, 1945 and since 1967 has been owned by the CAF, a non-profit, educational association based in Midland, Texas. The Flying Fortress now resides at Hooks Airport in Spring, Texas where maintenance, restoration and operations are conducted by a dedicated volunteer crew, along with certified maintenance and aviation professionals. This B-17 has been described as one of the most authentically restored B-17s left in flying condition today.Collecting, restoring and flying warbirds for more than half a century, the CAF ranks as one of the largest private air forces in the world. The CAF is dedicated to honoring American Military Aviation through flight, exhibition and remembrance with a flying museum of classic military aircraft. For more CAF information, visit www.commemorativeairforce.org or call (432) 563-1000. Additional information regarding the B-17 Texas Raiders or to make a tax-deductible donation visit www.B17TexasRaiders.org.
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2014 AIRSHO photo by Kevin Hong and Brenham 211 photo by Kevin Bailey
