FiFi To visit the UK?

Hi,

From a message posted by one of the Flying Engineer of Fifi one or two year ago on Warbird Information Exchange’s forum, they were not confortable with idea of a transatlantic flight and opertation as such distance their homebase.

I don’t know if they have a spare engine ready, just in case.

Regards

Do you really think an intercontinental tour is a viable option for him?

Probably not, but if we’re wishing for the B-29 to come over….
technically, I’d wager the B-24 is more viable than the B-29…in terms of complexity, fuel use, etc.

Of course his B-24 & 26 would need going over., the B-24 hasn’t flown for 15+ years.
It would be interesting to know engine times and overall condition. And I’m sure weeks would have properly preserved the engines and systems.
I’m not sure how “marginally airworthy” they were.
An aircraft is either airworthy or it isn’t. No middle ground unless you’re a fool.

I fear we are all daydreaming a bit, but it’s harmless and if there was just a glimmer of a chance……..:eagerness:

………The relevance of the B-29 to the European theatre of war is not important if that isn’t the reason behind the trip. A trip like this is done to give people the opportunity to see something that a great number of them would never be able to see………..

Sounds like a good enough reason to me, and I’m sure there’s an airfield (with a long enough runway) somewhere in the
UK that would be more than happy to host a visit.
Although a 5,000ft minimum might rule out a few appearances on the ground ?

If I were Mr. Weeks, I’d get the B-24 ready and the Martin B-26 as well. He might even break-even on the deal.

His support operation are not able to operate these types from his home base on a ‘fly occasionally’ basis. Both were marginally airworthy when he acquired them, and that was years ago. They were then parked. They would need a thorough going-through, from top to bottom, before they are even capable of flying again. Do you really think an intercontinental tour is a viable option for him?

The effort and expense funding the Vulcan and the recent visit by the CWH Lancaster proves there is a huge demand for the appearance of rare aircraft at airshows in the UK.
Based on that, a B-29 visit makes sense.
If I were Mr. Weeks, I’d get the B-24 ready and the Martin B-26 as well. He might even break-even on the deal.

Or Mexicanbob could comment on whether the aircraft would be comfortable operating from 1222 metres.

Moggy

Comfortable and capable? Yes indeed. Would we be allowed to? No, in most cases we require 5,000 ft minimum. We have some room for adjustment but not generally that much.

As far as it being a pointless exercise goes: The relevance of the B-29 to the European theater of war is not important if that isn’t the reason behind the trip. A trip like this is done to give people the opportunity to see something that a great number of them would never be able to see. If the details can be worked out it gives the chance for possible ride opportunities in the airplane. If former Washington crews are able to see and enjoy the airplane in the air then we will have accomplished more than we even thought we would. If a child sees or tours the airplane at a stop and it ends up being the moment in life that pushes him towards a career in aviation (much like happened to me) then it is totally worth it. Of course if you’d rather wait for the Mosquitos and A-20 to show up because that is your interest, please support that as much as you can.

It’s never pointless to see a rare warbird in the air – relevant to the UK or not. Not sure why being relevant is a factor in warbirds visting the UK.

Without wishing to cast a damper on proceedings it seems to me a rather pointless exercise. We have a B-29 at Duxford as an example of a technologically extremely advanced aeroplane for its time, which has an important place in world aviation history.
However, the type has little wartime relevance to the U.K., being primarily employed in the Pacific . Yes , the RAF operated the type post-war as a stop -gap before the Canberra and V’s came on stream, but this was hardly grabbing the public’s’ imagination.
Getting a Mossie or two back on the circuit for a season would perhaps be a better move financially- or even a Boston.

We can but dream 🙂

But howabout Fifi plus Diamond Lil?!;)

I wonder if the engines on the Duxford B-29 would still fire up ?
It’s good to speculate 🙂

Better yet, fly the AAM’s B-24.

I don’t think that anyone is suggesting that IF fi-fi came to the UK, she would have to operate from Duxford.
It would probably make sense though, as I would envisage some formations involving Sally-B, B-25 and Mustangs etc.

I wonder if the engines on the Duxford B-29 would still fire up ?

It’s good to speculate 🙂

the majority of Japanese citizens could be comfortable about a B-29 tour.

Pete

I am not sure that he quite said that. I am sure that many, many Japanese do not relate to the Japan of the war and the atrocities committed. The same is true in Germany of course. And for teenagers and those in their twenties the 21st century is where they live and the events of the mid-20th century are remote and, although a part of their history, play little or no part in their lives. Remembering and learning from the past is vital, but dwelling on it is not productive.

The recent mention here that the place was “chock a-block” (did I spell that correctly?..it’s not a term we use here) when the two Lancs flew over the dams.

Granted, I know the dams were used by 617 Squadron during training, but reenacting the raid which cost the RAF rather dearly and claimed the lives of 1600 primarily civilians…including 1000 forced-labor allied prisoners…is getting near the mark in my opinion.
Rather like the “atom bomb” airshow act or the tongue in check suggestion of the Lancs doing a victory lap of Germany.
And lest you think I’m picking on the RAF or insulting the courage of 617 squadron, I’d say the same thing if someone wanted to fly a B-24 over an oil refinery to reenact Ploesti or have a Swordfish make a run at warships to reenact the Channel dash.

Just me turning into an old peacenik I guess….:)

Fair comment, though I don`t see it as being akin to flying bombers over Germany or Japan in rememberance.
It isn`t a celebration of killing people, I think most people see it as acknowledging a technological achievement which was intended to end the war more quickly.
I am still quite surprised that the majority of Japanese citizens could be comfortable about a B-29 tour.

Pete

I did hear once that there were other runways in the UK longer than Duxford’s, but I’m not sure if it was true. I did also hear that there were other venues that feature historic aircraft, but I certainly don’t believe that one!

:highly_amused::highly_amused:

Rob

It was the arrival of the B-52, not the B-29, that necessitated closure of the M11.

I did hear once that there were other runways in the UK longer than Duxford’s, but I’m not sure if it was true. I did also hear that there were other venues that feature historic aircraft, but I certainly don’t believe that one!

If the recent trip by the Canadian Lancaster has taught us anything, it is that involvement from Duxford is not required for a visit to be a success.

Almost certainly yes. It was built over about five years and I am sure it fully opened in 1980.

As far as I can remember, the M11 was there, but was closed for the B52 to make it’s landing. Not that I was there, but I think that I can remember it being on the news at the time

Someone remind me.
Was the MII there when the B29 landed at Duxford ?

Almost certainly yes. It was built over about five years and I am sure it fully opened in 1980.

Or Mexicanbob could comment on whether the aircraft would be comfortable operating from 1222 metres.

Moggy