B-29 FIFI from 1976

NC_Rotorhead · **Joined:** Mon Aug 27, 2007 5:03 pm **Posts:** 107

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 · **Posted:** Wed Mar 12, 2008 5:26 pm

Awsome pic!

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

SN

P51Mstg · **Joined:** Tue Jan 25, 2005 11:36 am **Posts:** 1202

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

Mark H

NC_Rotorhead · **Joined:** Mon Aug 27, 2007 5:03 pm **Posts:** 107

Probably the polaroid

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

Regards
Steve

b29flteng · **Posted:** Wed Mar 12, 2008 5:38 pm

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 · **Joined:** Mon Aug 27, 2007 5:03 pm **Posts:** 107

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 · **Joined:** Sat Dec 08, 2007 11:05 pm **Posts:** 656

Great pic. I found this oldie

warbird1 · **Joined:** Fri Sep 21, 2007 6:25 pm **Posts:** 2760

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 · **Joined:** Mon Aug 27, 2007 5:03 pm **Posts:** 107

Hey there Warbird........

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

Regards
Steve

RickH · **Posted:** Wed Mar 12, 2008 6:43 pm

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 · **Posted:** Wed Mar 12, 2008 7:14 pm

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 · **Posted:** Wed Mar 12, 2008 7:33 pm

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

Stoney · **Posted:** Wed Mar 12, 2008 10:37 pm

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 · **Posted:** Thu Mar 13, 2008 2:12 pm

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. :roll:

Gary

RickH · **Posted:** Thu Mar 13, 2008 4:38 pm

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

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B-29 FIFI from 1976

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