B-29 Doc Hangar, Education and Visitors Center

B-29 Doc Hangar, Education and Visitors Center
B-29 Doc Hangar, Education and Visitors Center is located in Kansas
B-29 Doc Hangar, Education and Visitors Center
Location within Kansas
LocationWichita, Kansas
Coordinates37°39′41″N 97°25′22″W / 37.6613°N 97.4229°W / 37.6613; -97.4229
TypeAviation museum
Websitewww.b29doc.com/visit

The B-29 Doc Hangar, Education and Visitors Center is an aviation museum located at the Eisenhower National Airport in Wichita, Kansas.

History

Background

Main article: Doc (aircraft)

After sitting at bombing range at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake for 42 years, Doc was recovered in 1998 by a team led by Tony Mazzolini.[1] The group Doc's Friends was started in 2013 to support the effort and, following 3 years of work, the airplane flew again in 2016.[2][3]

Establishment

The group unveiled plans for a 32,000 sq ft (3,000 m2) building in July 2017 and broke ground September.[4][5] Doc was moved into the hangar in November 2018 and it opened to the public on 26 January 2019.[6][7]

Facilities

The facility is made up of a 24,000 sq ft (2,200 m2) hangar and the 8,000 sq ft (740 m2) John E. Turner Family Education & Visitors Center.[5][failed verification]

Collection

The museum's B-29 at McConnell Air Force Base in 2016

Programs

The museum tours Doc around the United States during the Spring and Summer.[9] During this tour it offers rides on the aircraft.[10]

References

  1. ^ "The B-29 Doc Story". B-29 Doc. 3 May 2018. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
  2. ^ McMillan, Molly (11 March 2013). "'Doc's Friends' Tackles Restoration of Vintage B-29". Wichita Eagle. pp. 3A, 7A. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
  3. ^ Siebenmark, Jerry (17 July 2016). "It Wasn't Easy, but B-29 Doc Takes to Wichita Skies". Wichita Eagle. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
  4. ^ Siebenmark, Jerry (17 July 2017). "Doc's Friends Unveil Plans for New Home of B-29 'Doc'". Wichita Eagle. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
  5. ^ a b Siebenmark, Jerry (22 September 2017). "A Permanent Wichita Home Becomes Reality for B-29 'Doc'". Wichita Eagle. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
  6. ^ Heying, Travis (13 November 2018). "Restored B-29 'Doc' Finds Home in Permanent Hangar". Wichita Eagle. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
  7. ^ Swaim, Chance (26 January 2019). "Doc's Hangar is a Symbol of Wichita's Place in World History, Mayor Longwell Says". Wichita Eagle. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
  8. ^ "Airframe Dossier - Boeing TB-29 Superfortress, s/n 44-69972 USN, c/n 10814, c/r N69972". Aerial Visuals. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
  9. ^ "B-29 Doc Tour & Events". B-29 Doc. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
  10. ^ "Take a Ride of a Lifetime". B-29 Doc. Retrieved 1 January 2024.