AirPower History’s Iconic World War II Aircraft Arrive in Dubuque July 25th
Dubuque aviation enthusiasts and history buffs are in for a treat as the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) brings two of the rarest World War II bombers, the B-29 Superfortress “FIFI” and the B-25 Mitchell “Show Me,” to the Dubuque Regional Airport. From July 26th to the 28th, these historic aircraft will grace the skies of Dubuque and offer a unique opportunity for attendees to step back in time to the 1940s.
The AirPower History Tour will be hosted at the Captain Martin Terminal, located at 10965 Aviation Drive, Dubuque, IA 52003. The event will run from 9 AM to 5 PM each day, providing ample time for visitors to explore and enjoy.
- Aircraft Arrival: Thursday, July 25th at noon
- Event Dates: Friday, July 26th to Sunday, July 28th
- Admission: $20 for adults, $10 for children ages 11-17, and free for children 10 and under
What You Can Expect in Dubuque
Visitors will have the chance to see the legendary bombers, joined by a T-6 Texan, a PT-13 Stearman, and an RC-45J Expeditor, offering a full array of historic aircraft to admire.
- Rides: Available on the T-6, PT-13, and RC-45J throughout the event
- B-29 Flights: Saturday and Sunday at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
- B-25 Flights: Daily at 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.
- Cockpit Tours of the B-29: Starting at 9 a.m. on Friday and noon on Saturday and Sunday
Tickets for rides can be booked in advance at AirPowerTour.org, where more information about the event can also be found.
Meet the Aircraft
B-29 Superfortress “FIFI” First flown in 1942, the B-29 was the most advanced aircraft of its time. It played a crucial role in bringing an end to World War II with its missions over Japan and also saw action in the Korean War. “FIFI” is one of only two B-29s still flying today, making this a rare opportunity to see this historic aircraft in person.
B-25 Mitchell “Show Me” The B-25 Mitchell was a versatile and widely used medium bomber in World War II. Known for its role in the Doolittle Raid over Tokyo, the B-25 became an iconic symbol of American air power.
T-6 Texan Known as the "Pilotmaker," the T-6 Texan was an advanced flight trainer used to prepare pilots for combat. With speeds over 200 miles per hour, it introduced new pilots to the complexities of flying advanced aircraft.
PT-13 Stearman The PT-13, affectionately called the "Stearman," was the primary flight trainer for military pilots during World War II. This biplane’s open cockpit provides a nostalgic, wind-in-your-hair flying experience reminiscent of the early days of aviation.
RC-45J Expeditor The Beechcraft SNB, a military variant of the Twin Beech, served numerous roles, including light transport, photoreconnaissance, and training. Many of these reliable aircraft are still in use today, a testament to their enduring legacy.
The Commemorative Air Force is dedicated to preserving and showcasing World War II aircraft. As the world's largest flying museum, the CAF boasts a fleet of over 170 vintage planes supported by 12,000 volunteer members. Their mission is to honor American military aviation through flight, exhibition, education, and remembrance. For more information about the CAF and its mission, visit commemorativeairforce.org. The AirPower History Tour is a must-see event for anyone interested in aviation history. Join the community at the Dubuque Regional Airport from July 26-28 to experience the thrill of seeing these magnificent aircraft up close and in flight.
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Gallery Credit: Jill Jaracz