The CAF’s B-29 FiFi is flying again, after major engine repairs this spring. The historic WWII aircraft is 1 of only 2 B-29 Superfortress bombers still flying in the world. The other, DOC, is based in Wichita, KS.
The B-29 of course was cemented into history 80 years ago, when the Enola Gay dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima.
FiFi was kept grounded back in April, following winter maintenance, and just before the squadron was scheduled to kickoff their 2025 tour. The plane flies around the country every year as the flagship of the AirPower History Tour, visiting select air shows and events and selling rides.
Pre-flight engine runs revealed a critical part not working correctly
Back in April, during a routine pre-flight engine run, the crew discovered the impeller spinner discharge valve was not working correctly. It’s a critical part of the supercharger system on the bomber’s Curtiss-Wright R-3350 engines, and helps regulate fuel-air pressure when operating the engines.
It was quickly determined that 2 of the plane’s 4 complex radial engines would have to be removed, repaired, and put back on FiFi. Engines #2 and #4, affectionately named Mitzi and Betty, were carefully removed and shipped to Vintage Aircraft Radial in CA.
The bill is over $350,000. As a non-profit, they rely heavily on donations, sponsorships and ride sales at events and air shows. With the plane grounded, not only did they have a very expensive job, but they were losing revenue too, since they had to cancel the beginning of their 2025 tour.
A donation site was setup, and thus far they have raised over $75,000. There is still a long way to go. We encourage our readers and supporters to donate to the cause HERE.
The faulty valves were tested and calibrated to original manufacturer specifications using a flow bench, says the CAF on the fundraising page.
Once repaired and reassembled the engines were put through rigorous testing. With confidence in the repairs, the engines were then sent on a 18-hour drive back to CAF in Dallas to rejoin FiFi.
Engines installed in record time
The freshly repaired engines arrived at the plane June 16. The crew installed them in record time, says the CAF.
With all four engines back in action, all that was left was to run her up. On June 21, that’s what they did. The crew reported a few adjustments needed, but no big deal.
All that was left, was to fly. A few days later, they did, and FiFi soared again.
With the historic warbird now back in action, the tour is on, with a planned first appearance soon in Ohio. Visit their website here and book your visit with FiFi!
