B-29 FIFI from 1976

[NC_Rotorhead]

All these looks back in time at old airshows, got me looking through some slides I had. I found an interesting one, at least for me. I went to the October 1976 CAF airshow in Harlingen, TX. Here is a photo of FIFI. Take a close look at the pilot, that's Paul Tibbets.



Regards
Steve

[Steve Nelson]

Awsome pic!

But what's that cross-hatch pattern on the one window?


SN

[P51Mstg]

Thats one of those NASCAR window nets so nobody falls out.

Mark H

[NC_Rotorhead]

Probably the polaroid (or UV) filter I was using. OR..........all windows clouded to allow me to see throught the ONE window.

Regards
Steve

[b29flteng]

Due to the polarlizing lens being used. You get the same effect with polarized sun glasses in most cars. The windows in FIFI are made of laminated glass.

[NC_Rotorhead]

Here is a photo of Paul after the flight shown above. This is at the annual CAF airshow at Harlingen TX 1976.



Regards
Steve

[kenlyco]

Great pic. I found this oldie

[warbird1]

Wasn't Airsho '76 the one in which they simulated the atomic bomb dropping on Hiroshima and made a HUGE mushroom cloud? Didn't it create an international incident with the Japanese? I believe Tibbets was flying that simulation.

Anyone know any more details, or better yet, a picture of that simulated mushroom cloud exposion?

[NC_Rotorhead]

Hey there Warbird........

Yes, that was the controversy. Too bad, was a good flying program.

Regards
Steve

[RickH]

They flew the simulated A bomb all over the place. I saw it done at Galveston and houston years ago. Don't remember exactly when they stopped doing it, I'm pretty sure it was't until sometime in the 80s. About the time that PC began to take hold of our world and thenthitivity training came in vogue !

[flyingsailor]

The Blastards and EOD of the CAF still shoot the simulated A-Bomb. Some pictures of our work can be found at www.blastards.com. Our airshow season starts this weekend in San Angelo Texas.
Hope to see some of you there.

Chris
CAF Blastards/EOD

[RickH]

I guess it's an individual show thing or just the fact that FiFi hasn't been out in a while ?

[Stoney]

1976 was my only time to the CAF Texas show, great time, but I was really tired as I had just flonw in from the great sand box.

[retroaviation]

I can't believe nobody's noticed (or mentioned) the non-retracted tail skid in kenlyco's picture, not to mention the nasty oil leaks on the engine cowls.

Gary

[RickH]

Oil leaks ? I thought that was the automatic corrosion control feature !