The storied B-29 Superfortress, known as the DOC, touched down at Phoenix Goodyear Airport, infusing the tarmac with living history. According to FOX 10 Phoenix, the aircraft journeyed from Abilene, Texas, and will be showcasing its legacy in the Valley for a handful of days, complete with interior tours guiding visitors through a time capsule of 1940s aviation innovation.
Wichita, Kansas, was once the manufacturing heart that contributed to the 1,600-plus strong fleet of B-29 bombers during World War II, and it's from this lineage that the DOC ascends. Having taken flights from key Pacific locations during the war, the DOC boasts an operational history steeped in strategic significance. As detailed by Mark Novak, DOC's Chief Pilot, who spoke to FOX 10 Phoenix, not only was the B-29 a trailblazer in altitude and pressurization, but it also held the upper hand with its extended range and bomb payload capacity compared to its predecessors like the B-17.
Phoenix area residents and visitors have the chance to step aboard and get a glimpse of DOC's internals from Wednesday to Sunday. The weekend also offers the unique opportunity for flight experiences, lifting eager passengers into the skies on April 26 and 27. As per B-29 Doc's official website, those keen on securing a spot in the cockpit can book tickets for these time-slotted airborne journeys.
The tale behind DOC's moniker is lightheartedly linked to Disney's "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," explained Novak in the FOX 10 Phoenix interview. The squadron commander had named the aircraft after the fairytale characters, with DOC taking its place alongside its sibling craft, such as Dopey, which can be found at the Pima Museum. Post-World War II operations and an extensive period in the Mojave Desert, the aircraft was resuscitated by DOC's Friends, investing 16 years into restoring this powerful symbol of American aviation history.
DOC's Friends, the dedicated team behind the aircraft's revival, allocate significant effort to maintaining this airborne relic. To discover more about DOC's backstory and how to witness this historical aircraft, visitors are encouraged to visit DOC's official website for additional information and ticketing details.
