SUMMARY
The B-29 FIFI had a failure on engine number 2 while on tour this year that required a swap with a replacement engine kept on hand. The B-29/B-24 Squadron now needs to rebuild the Wright 3350 to ensure it has a good replacement engine for FIFI available.

HISTORY
The B-29 is the aircraft that brought World War II to an end. The B-29 was the largest and most technically sophisticated aircraft of its time. It had the first analog computer to help operators aim the remote-control guns, compensating for airspeed, gravity, temperature, and humidity. It was the first pressurized military aircraft, and had an on-board radar system. The B-29 could reach 36,000 feet, which put it out of the range of most Japanese fighter aircraft.

PROGRESS
FIFI was rescued by members of the CAF from a desert boneyard in 1971 and was the only flying B-29 in the world for many years. The heavy bomber was flown for 30 years, until it was grounded in 2006 for a complete powerplant re-fit, an extensive project that entailed building four custom hybrid engines. FIFI returned to flight status in 2010, and has been flying and thrilling audiences ever since.

TASKS AHEAD
Since FIFI returned to flight the maintenance team and squadron volunteers have made it a priority to keep the aircraft’s down time to an absolute minimum. During this year’s engine issue, the aircraft was only down for one week due to their diligence in planning ahead. This ensured that FIFI could jump back into action as the star of Airpower History Tour.

VISION
When not on tour FIFI, along with her sister heavy bomber the B-24 Diamond Lil, will reside in the new Victor N. Agather STEM Innovation Hangar at the Henry B. Tippie National Aviation Education Center in Dallas. In 2021 FIFI gave over 850 rides across 25 tour stops, each one a tremendous opportunity to engage and inspire people, as well as, honor the history that this great aircraft is a part of.

To learn more about the B-29/B-24 Squadron. Click Here.