The Collings Foundation “Wings of Freedom” Tour once again gave San Diego residents and visitors an opportunity to see up close and even fly in WWII-era aircraft during the first week of May. The Collings Foundation Wings of Freedom tour that features a B-17 Flying Fortress, a B-24 Liberator and a P-51 Mustang fighter normally make McClellan-Palomar Airport in Carlsbad part of its annual tour. This year the planes were also on display at Ramona Airport.
A steady stream of about 500-700 persons turned out at Ramona Airport to see the planes. Many of them took to the skies for a quick flight - some to see what it is like to fly in a vintage warbird, others to relive memories of an era when they flew the planes on combat missions over Europe.
The B-17 Flying Fortress, Nine O Nine, is one of only 11 in flying condition in the United States. Introduced in 1938, it was used by the United States Eighth Air Force in England, and the Fifteenth Air Force in Italy for raids over Europe. It also few a limited number of missions in the Pacific Theater. It was coined “The Flying Fortress” by a Seattle newspaper reporter at its rollout. Armed with five 7.62 mm machine guns, it was well known for its ability to defend itself and return even with substantial battle damage. The B-17 dropped more bombs than any other aircraft during the war and is the airplane featured in the movie, “Memphis Belle.”
The B-24 Liberator four-engine heavy bomber is the most mass-produced military aircraft in aviation history. More than 18,400 were produced, many of them here in San Diego. One rolled off the assembly line every 63 minutes. It flew in the Western European, Pacific, Mediterranean and China-Burma Theaters of Operations of World War II.
The P-51 Mustang initially flew as a fighter-bomber and even as a reconnaissance aircraft, but was ultimately used to escort long-range bombers on their raids over Europe. Built with a new concept in laminar flow wing and external fuel tanks it could accompany bombers all the way to Germany and back again. It was also armed with an array of 7.62mm machine guns. The P-51 is also credited with decimating the German Luftwaffe and clearing the way for the Normandy Invasion of 1944.
Look for a return engagement of the Wings of Freedom at both airports for 2012.
The Wings of Freedom Tour is just one of the many attractions at our eight County of San Diego Airports.
The next major event for County Airports is Wings Over Gillespie coming up in June.
Watch the video of several WWII veterans as they visit the planes they flew and relive the memories of WWII.
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