Warbirds: Boeing B-29A Superfortress back in the air

On Friday 6 August 2010, the world’s only airworthy Boeing B-29A Superfortress 44-62070, N529B, ‘Fifi’ of the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) returned to the air after a four-year grounding following an extensive re-engine project. James Kightly reports.

On the second test flight, a distributor malfunction in engine number two occurred that resulted in pre-ignition, damaging some of the cylinders. The engine was removed and shipped to Anderson Aeromotive for repairs. The engine was returned to the CAF and tested before the aircraft returned to flight during the early afternoon of Friday September
24, 2010.

“This is a great day for the Commemorative Air Force,” said CAF President Steve Brown. “With the successful completion of the flight testing, we look forward to the long future with these reliable new engines. The work of the CAF volunteer members and support of Jim Cavanaugh, has given Fifi a new lease on life.

“There are many years ahead of Fifi for touring the country and telling the stories of the
men and women who sacrificed their lives for our freedom.”

After re-discovery derelict at the Naval Weapons Centre at China Lake, an extensive restoration resulted in the B-29 christened Fifi joined the CAF in 1974. The Superfortress was originally fitted with Wright R-3350-57AM engines which have a less-than-desirable reputation, and unsurprisingly, Fifi has experienced numerous problems with her engines over the three decades she has been flying with the CAF.

Following the discovery of metal shavings in the engine oil, the B-29/B-24 Squadron held a lengthy series of meetings with CAF personnel and experts in the field of aircraft restoration, and the decision was made to not fly the plane again until it could be fitted with engines that are a custom built combination of the more reliable R-3350-95W and R-3350-26WD engines.

The refit required reworking the engine mounts and some of the engine cowling, making
it a lengthy undertaking, but this was completed in early 2010 and culminated (after tests and the already noted minor problem) with the B-29 taking centre stage at the CAF’s annual Airsho in October.

As well as having this unique airworthy example of WWII’s ultimate bomber, the CAF is once again able to offer a ride program in the Superfortress.

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