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Restored B-17, "Liberty Belle", Coming to Concord; Flights Available
Concord - The Liberty Foundation’s B-17 “Liberty Belle” is one of only fourteen B-17’s still flying today. The B-17, dubbed the “Flying Fortress” as a result of the plane's defensive fire power, saw action in every theater of operation during WWII. The majority of all WWII B-17’s were operated by the 8th Airforce in Europe and participated in countless missions from bases in England deep into enemy territory. There were 12,732 B-17’s produced between 1935 and 1945, of these 4,735 were lost in combat. Following WWII, the B-17 saw combat in three more wars, B-17’s saw service in Korea, Israel used them in the war of 1948 and was even used during Vietnam.
“Liberty Belle” was built toward the end of the war and never saw any combat. It is painted in the colors and nose art of the original “Liberty Belle” B-17 that flew countless missions with the 390th bomb group of the mighty 8th Airforce.
The Liberty Foundation’s B-17G had an interesting post war history. Originally the plane was sold as scrap in 1947 to a mining company. In short order it was sold again to Pratt & Whitney for the sum of $2,700.00. Pratt & Whitney operated the B-17 until 1967, in which it was heavily modified as a test bed for their T-34 & T-64 turbo prop engines thus making it a five engine B-17. In 1968 the B-17 was then donated to the Connecticut Aeronautical Historic society. Unfortunately, in 1979 the B-17 was heavily damaged in a tornado that threw another airplane onto the B-17’s mid-section breaking her back. The wreck was stored until 1987 when acquired by an aviation enthusiast in Florida with the intent to restore the aircraft. In 1992 the slow laborious task of restoration began and with the turn of the century saw the B-17 sold again to Don Brooks of the Liberty Foundation. Mr. Brooks, whose father flew B-17’s with the 390th bomb group during WWII, founded the Liberty Foundation; a non profit museum dedicated to preserving our aviation heritage, and funded the complete restoration of the B-17 back to her full wartime configuration as she appears today. He chose to paint the B-17 as the ‘Liberty Belle” as a tribute to all the brave aircrew of WWII and his father who was a tail gunner and flew numerous combat missions in the original Liberty Belle. The B-17, following a fourteen year restoration, took to the skies again after 38 years on December 8th 2004.
The “Liberty Belle” provides visitors the opportunity to take a step back in time and gain respect for the men and women who gave so much to protect our freedoms. At each stop, flight “missions” are available allowing people to take flights in this historic aircraft. During flight operations, there will be a designated, secure area for those who would like to watch the bomber flight at no charge. Enthusiasts who choose to take a flight experience on this legendary aircraft, will receive a pre-flight safety briefing containing the historical significance of the aircraft and a spectacular scenic air tour around the city.
During the flight, passengers can enjoy the unique opportunity of moving about the aircraft to see the viewpoint of the different combat crew positions.
World War II was the single greatest challenge to freedom in the 20th Century. Through the 46 months of war, over 300,000 American soldiers, sailors and aviators died defending the beliefs they held dear, with many more sacrificing in other ways. These men became heroes through their struggles and came home to a grateful nation. This aircraft represents that legacy of courage and valor.”
The total flight experience takes 45 minutes with approximately half hour in flight. Flights experiences are $395 for Liberty Foundation members and $430 for non-members. Passengers can become a Liberty Foundation Member for $40 and receive the member discount for family and friends. While $430 per person sounds expensive, it must be put into perspective when compared to a B-17’s operating cost. A Flying Fortress cost over $4500 per flight hour and the Liberty Foundation spends over $1,000,000 annually to keep the Liberty Belle airworthy and out on tour. The Liberty Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit flying museum and funds generated merely help offset these high cost, said organizers. |
Posted on Monday, July 27, 2009 (Archive on Monday, August 03, 2009)
Posted by cabarrusmagazine
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