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WWII Airplanes Land in Philadelphia For Five-Day Visit From The Past

By John McDevitt

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Rare, World War II-era planes are on display now through Sunday at Northeast Philadelphia Aiport.

Among the four aircraft, you'll be able to tour the world's only remaining airworthy B-29 Superfortress (known as "Fifi"), and one of only two flying B-24 Liberators (this one nicknamed "Diamond Lil").

Also on display are the only flying SB2C Helldiver bomber (below), and a C-45, used for executive transport during WWII.

hell diver
(A Curtiss SB2C Helldiver, at PNE airport. Photo by John McDevitt)

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"We love it when people bring their children and grandchildren out, because we believe these airplanes have stories to tell and we want the young generations  to understand what they represent," says Kim Pardon, with the Commemorative Air Force, which now owns and operates the planes.  "They represent our freedom, and we would like them to keep on the tradition of keeping the aircraft flying when they get to be our age."

Rides are on the aircraft are also available, ranging from $75 for a 30-minute trip to more than $1,500, depending on what crew position you choose.

More information is at www.airpowersquadron.org.

 

 

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