SUMMARY

The US built 12,731 B-17s, and today only four are actively flying. The CAF's B-17, Texas Raiders was the first B-17 acquired solely for the purpose of education and use as a flying museum. Since 1967, the CAF has flown Texas Raiders for the mission of education and remembrance. She allows the public to truly put their hands on history, and keep alive the memory of those who built, maintained, and flew the iconic bombers in World War II. Now, the famous Flying Fortress needs help completing an engine rebuild. 

 HISTORY

The CAF's B-17 Texas Raiders was built in July 1945. The war was ending and the Flying Fortress had been replaced by the B-29 Super Fortress, so the last B-17s were expected to go straight to the scrapyard. Thankfully the Navy chose 20 surplus B-17s to become part of the "Cadillac II" project, the world's first successful attempt at Airborne Early Warning and Control. Today we know this technology as AWACS and it is ubiquitous among the world's top air forces. The airplane that would eventually become Texas Raiders once was at the cutting edge of modern technology. Today she flies all over the U.S. reuniting veterans and the public alike with the historic WWII bomber. 

PROGRESS 

The rebuilding of the engine that was removed from Texas Raiders last year is underway. It's a long and expensive process to rebuild the huge Wright-Cyclone 1820 radial, and currently the engine is at the rebuilder and facing about $50,000 worth of work in order to be returned to flight. 

 TASK AHEAD

While mostly funded by way of our fan support during the 2021 flying season, (thank you, dedicated Fortress fans!) we need help to push the rebuild over the finish line and return the engine to our home base in Conroe, Texas.

VISION

This year the Gulf Coast Wing is celebrating its 50th year delivering the mission of the Commemorative Air Force.  Since its establishment in 1971, the Gulf Coast Wing crew and Texas Raiders have toured routinely from April through November each year to airshows, barnstorming events, civic events, and flyovers. Volunteers who tour with the aircraft engage with the public by giving tours and hosting Living History Flight Experiences on the aircraft. From scout troops to college students to veterans, people really connect with the famous Flying Fortress, and each and every one has the opportunity to hear the history and importance of the B-17. 

Make a $250 donation to the engine rebuild and receive a special gift from the Gulf Coast Wing! Donate $250 and receive a limited edition 2022 calendar featuring historic and contemporary photos of Texas Raiders printed on high-quality glossy paper PLUS one of our 50th Anniversary unit patches.  The Wing thanks all of our supporters and looks forward to the 2022 flying season!