It has been nearly 70 years since the last B-17 lifted into the air to join the largest air armada ever to fill the skies during World War II, but on Monday March 23, the four giant Wright-Cyclone engines of Texas Raiders, a fully restored B-17 Flying Fortress will be roaring over the city of Chattanooga. Of the 12,731 B-17s built across the US, only 9 are currently flying—including Texas Raiders, which is part of the Commemorative Air Force. One of the last flying examples of the famous aircraft arrives Monday in Chattanooga, offering the public a rare opportunity to see and touch one of history’s most storied heavy bombers.
Texas Raiders was the first Flying Fortress to be operated solely for the sake of preservation and use as a flying museum.
She is one of the most accurately restored B-17’s, and bristles with machine guns and features a period-specific radio compartment and the Norden bombsite.
Texas Raiders will offer tours and the unique opportunity to ride in the historic aircraft. Beginning Monday, March 23 and continuing through Thursday morning, March 26, the public can visit the aircraft and for nominal admission can take a walk-through tour that includes commentary from crew members. Attendees who want the ultimate Flying Fortress experience can make a reservation now for one of the limited number of 30-minute flights on the classic aircraft.
The public is invited to come out to Wilson Air Center at Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport, 932 Jubilee Dr., to tour the aircraft and talk with her crew. Those who wish to fly with Texas Raiders can call 1-855-FLY-A-B17 (1-855-359-2217) or reserve online at
www.B17TexasRaiders.org. Tours of the aircraft are $10 for adults, $5 for children and $20 for families. Flights on Texas Raiders start at $475 for a 30 minute flight.