The finale of the Blackpool Airshow was a display of the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress.
This B-17 is named the Sally B. and is the last remaining airworthy B-17 in Europe.with it's home in the UK.
The Sally B. is permanently based at the Imperial War Museum in Duxford where it is on static display when not flying.
The aircraft is maintained by a dedicated team of volunteers and flown by volunteer experienced professional pilots, relying on donations raised by the B-17 Charitable Trust.
The Sally B also appeared in several film and Television productions. She was in' Bomber Crew' for Channel 4 The World War 2 comedy series,' It Ain't Hot Mum', and the drama 'Over Here' for the BBC. She was also one of 5 flying B-17's to star in the Warner Brothers film 'Memphis Belle'.
The Sally B was built in 1945, and delivered the United States Army Air Forces, but was too late to see active service in the war. In 1954 it was bought by the Institut Geographique Nation in France, and used as a survey aircraft. In 1975 it was moved to England to be restored to wartime condition,
This huge yet graceful four-engined aircraft now flies at airshows in the UK and across Europe serving as an airborne memorial to the United States Army Air Forces who lost their lives in the European theatre during World War 2.
I'm so glad to see Sally B still flies! I've been inside that Fortress (almost 25 years ago now), sat in every seat, and seen her fly in formation with Pink Lady from France (the latter now grounded but kept in repair to have a B-17 flying in 2045!).
ReplyDeleteAlways a majestic sight, and I'm glad you got to see her Mike, and take some beautiful pictures.
Cheers! -- Paul
Thanks for the comments Paul and that additional info which is always welcome. It certainly was a lovely sight Paul. Lucky you to get to sit inside and see her all those years ago. I believe there's only 10 still flying now including the Sally B, but it's good to know they're planning for future generations with the Pink Lady.
ReplyDeleteI'm near tears Scoop! Those are fabulous shots of a more fabulous aircraft. Ever since getting interested in planes around the age of 9 or 10, the B-17 has been up there as one of my favorites. I too got go inside one (not sure which one it was at the moment) at one of the Nellis air shows. Love the photos - keep 'em comin'!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Ed, I'm really pleased you and Paul like the photos. And you too got the chance to get aboard one, you certainly are a lucky pair.
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