Three Historic World War II-era Bombers Landing in Wichita in August
WICHITA, Kan., May 11, 2026 – B-29 Superfortress DOC will host the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) B-17 Sentimental Journey and B-25 Maid in the Shade at the B-29 DOC Hangar, Education and Visitors Center, August 5-9, 2026. All three iconic World War II-era bombers will be available for ground and cockpit tours, as well as warbird ride flight experiences during the five-day event in Wichita.
The CAF B-17 *Sentimental Journey* and B-25 *Maid in the Shade* will join B-29 DOC in Wichita this August for tours and ride experiences.
B-29 DOC is one of only two airworthy B-29 Superfortresses still flying today.
DOC is one of 1,644 Boeing B-29 Superfortress bombers built in Wichita, Kansas, during World War II—and today, it is one of only two still airworthy and flying. Sentimental Journey is a B-17G model built in December 1944 at the Douglas plant in Long Beach, California, and is one of only three actively flying B-17 bombers remaining from the 12,731 produced during the War.
B-25 Maid in the Shade was built in June 1944 at the North American plant in Kansas City, Missouri. The aircraft served during World War II with the 319th Bomb Group, 437th Squadron based in France, and flew 15 combat missions. Today, it remains one of the few combat veteran B-25 bombers still flying.
“These three warbirds tell a powerful story of World War II, highlighting America’s airpower across both the European and Pacific theaters,” said Josh Wells, chief executive officer of B-29 DOC. “Seeing these historic aircraft together brings history to life and offers a rare opportunity for people to experience World War II up close.”
The three bombers will arrive in Wichita on Monday, August 3, 2026 and will be available for public tours throughout the week when the airplanes are not flying.
“Bringing the B-17 and B-25 together with DOC creates a remarkable tribute to the crews and aircraft that helped secure victory during World War II,” said Mike Garrett, CAF Airbase Arizona tour director. “Each of these airplanes represents a different chapter of the war and seeing them side by side gives people a rare chance to connect with the history, sacrifice, and legacy of the Greatest Generation.”
Event Details – B-29 DOC Hangar, Education & Visitors Center
- August 4-7: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (last admission ticket sold at 3 p.m.)
- August 8-9: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (last admission ticket sold at 3:30 p.m.)
General admission is $15 per person or $30 per family, which includes ramp and aircraft tour access when the airplanes are not flying. Tickets can be purchased during the event.
Ride Flight Tickets
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About DOC’s Friends and B-29 DOC
DOC’s Friends, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that manages the operation of the Boeing B-29 Superfortress known as DOC. The mission of DOC’s Friends is to honor the men and women who designed, built, maintained, and flew the B-29 during and after World War II, connect people with the rich heritage of the aircraft, and educate future generations about the Greatest Generation.
About CAF Airbase Arizona
The Commemorative Air Force Airbase Arizona began in 1977 when a dedicated group of volunteers started restoring a rare Boeing B-17G known as Sentimental Journey. Since opening at Falcon Field in Mesa, Arizona, the museum has grown into one of the largest CAF Units in the world and remains dedicated to preserving and showcasing historic warbirds for future generations.
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