Photo caption: The Tulsa Air and Space Museum & Planetarium is showcasing the B-17G Yankee Lady Oct. 23-24. Courtesy Photo/Yankee Air Museum
The Tulsa Air and Space Museum & Planetarium is hosting a rare World War II Bomber exhibit Oct. 23-24.
Sponsored by Osage Casino and Hotel, the museum is showcasing the B-17G Yankee Lady, a four-engine heavy bombardment aircraft, commonly called a Flying Fortress. The plane, which is based at Willow Run Airport in Michigan, is making the stop as part of its World War II Salute to Victory southern tour, according to a prepared release.
The B-17G Yankee Lady is expected to arrive at Tulsa International Airport by 10 a.m. Oct. 23. The plane will be parked at the museum and will stay through the day, offering tours and Air Adventure rides until 6 p.m., according to the release.
Ground tours of the aircraft are included with museum admission. Adult tickets cost $10, Museum members $10, and children ages 5-17 are $10 each, and children ages 4 and under are free.
Air Adventure rides on the B-17 are available at 12 p.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. An Air Adventure ride is a 30-minute experience and costs $475. To order a B-17 Air Adventure visit www.yankeeairmuseum.org and click on “Fly With Us.”
About the B-17G Yankee Lady
The B-17 is the type of four-engine heavy bomber that initiated daylight strategic bombing in World War II. Its purpose was to fly high and deep into enemy territory striking high-value targets such as munitions factories, oil refineries and military installations, according to
Tonya Blansett, Executive Director of The Tulsa Air and Space Museum & Planetarium.
“There may be only ten airworthy Boeing B-17s left in existence, so it’s quite a thrill for us to have an award-winning example visit Tulsa,” Blansett said.
According to Blansett, 12,731 of these stout aircraft were built between 1936 and 1945. With a crew of ten and defensive armaments of up to 13 fifty caliber machine guns, the B-17 became known as the Flying Fortress. More than 5,000 were shot down over Europe during the historic air war, according to the release.
“This year marks the 75th Anniversary of the End of World War II and I encourage everyone to come out and see this award-winning, historic aircraft,” said Dave Callanan, B-17 Public Affairs Executive in the release. “Touring the plane or even better, flying on it, will give you a deep appreciation of what our World War II airmen did for us. It is an unforgettable experience.”
By
Osage News
Original Publish Date: 2020-10-23 00:00:00
