Iconic World War II Aircraft to Land in Hagerstown for Public Tours and Rides

The Hagerstown Aviation Museum in Hagerstown, Maryland, will host a remarkable collection of World War II aircraft as part of the AirPower History Tour presented by the Commemorative Air Force (CAF). From June 24 to June 28, 2026, the public will have the opportunity to experience the sights and sounds of aviation history up close, with opportunities for tours and even rides in some of these legendary planes.

The highly anticipated event will feature two of the rarest World War II bombers still in flying condition: the B-29 Superfortress “FiFi” and the B-24 Liberator “Diamond Lil.” These magnificent aircraft are scheduled to arrive on Monday, June 22, at noon, accompanied by a T-6 Texan, a PT-13 Stearman, and the RC-45J SNB “Big Oily Beast.” Adding to the excitement, the P-51D Mustang “Gunfighter” will make its entrance on Friday, June 26, at noon. All aircraft will be stationed at the Hagerstown Aviation Museum ramp, located at 18450 Showalter Rd., Bldg. 8, Hagerstown, MD 21742, with event signage guiding visitors.

The AirPower History Tour aims to bring the history of World War II aviation to life for communities across North America. Visitors will be able to view all the participating aircraft on the ramp and purchase rides, with opportunities to tour the cockpits of the B-29 and B-24 when they are not in flight. The event officially opens to the public from Wednesday through Sunday, June 24-28, operating daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission to the aircraft ramp area is $20 for adults, $10 for individuals aged 11-17, and free for children 10 and under.

Throughout the event, rides will be available on the T-6, PT-13, and RC-45J. Rides on the P-51D will commence on Friday at 1:00 p.m. For those eager to witness the bomber flights, the B-29 will take to the skies on Saturday and Sunday at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., while the B-24 will fly on Saturday and Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Cockpit tours of the B-29 and B-24 will be offered daily starting at 9:00 a.m., with weekend tours beginning at noon. Advance booking for rides is highly recommended and can be done online at AirPowerTour.org, where additional event details can also be found.

The B-29 Superfortress, a marvel of engineering first flown in 1942, played a crucial role in the final stages of World War II and saw service through the Korean War. “FiFi” is one of only two B-29s in the world still capable of flight. The B-24 Liberator, with over 18,400 produced, was the most manufactured American warplane of WWII. “Diamond Lil,” one of the earliest B-24s and one of only two still flying, offers a tangible connection to the perilous air campaigns of that era. The P-51D Mustang, celebrated for its speed and range, was instrumental in protecting bomber formations. The T-6 Texan, known as the “Pilotmaker,” provided advanced flight training to aspiring WWII pilots, while the PT-13 Stearman, or “Stearman,” served as the primary flight trainer for all military branches. The RC-45J SNB, a variant of the Beech Model 18, served various roles for the U.S. Navy and Marines.

The Commemorative Air Force, a volunteer-driven organization with over 12,000 members, operates the world’s largest flying museum, maintaining a fleet of over 170 World War II aircraft. Their mission is to honor American military aviation heritage through flight, education, and remembrance.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Commemorative Air Force

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