"This is a flying museum; we're about halfway through the Canadian tour right now. We had a great response at our last stop." Said Don Boccaccio, of the Commemorative air force
The plane was built in July of 1945 and never saw action. But similar models served in the latter stages of World War two in Japan and in the Korean War.
This week marks the 73rd anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima, Japan. The atomic bomb was dropped by a B-29 plane.
A World War two style *B-29 bomber* landed at North Bay's airport Monday. It's one of only two still flying the skies.
The plane was built in July of 1945 and never saw action. But similar models served in the latter stages of World War Two in Japan and in the Korean War.
Don Boccaccio of the commemorative air force doesn’t want people to be confused. “Not this aircraft but this model is the one that dropped the atomic bomb", said Boccaccio.
He says the plane got its nick name after one of the members of the commemorative air force decided to bring it back into the sky.
Boccaccio’s wife, Josephine, nicknamed it "Fifi" and the name stuck with the group.
Currently, there's only one Canadian-born pilot, "She's a great stable platform. She’s a great ride. It’s always a privilege to ride in Fifi” said Katy Watkins, of the commemorative air force.
The B-29 was designed as a replacement for older models, and is equipped with a long range and greater bomb loads.
The plane was saved by the commemorative air force when it was found at the U-S navy proving ground in California. The plane was intended to be used as a missile target.
Boccaccio says it’s a matter of preserving history, "This is an iconic airplane. This is the aircraft that essentially ended the war. We want to make sure people don't forget the history."
The plane will rest in North Bay until Sunday then it’s back in the sky heading to Kitchener as it continues its Canadian tour.
