Three Historic World War II-era Bombers Landing in Wichita in August

May 11, 2026

B-29 DOC will host the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) B-17 Sentimental Journey and B-25 Maid in the Shade at the B-29 DOC Hangar, Education and Visitors Center, August 5-9. All three iconic World War II-era bombers will be available for ground and cockpit tours, as well as warbird ride flight experiences during the five-day event in Wichita.

Purchase B-29 DOC RidesPurchase B-17 & B-25 Rides

DOC is one of 1,644 Boeing B-29 Superfortress bombers built in Wichita, Kansas, during World War II—and today, it is one of only two still airworthy and flying. Sentimental Journey is a B-17G model, was built in December of 1944 at the Douglas plant in Long Beach, CA, and one of only three B-17 bombers of the 12,731 built that is actively flying today. B-25 Maid in the Shade was built in June 1944 at the North American plant in Kansas City, MO, and served during World War II with the 319th Bomb Group, 437th Squadron based in France, and flew 15 combat missions, one of the few bombers still flying that served in combat.

“These three warbirds tell a powerful story of World War II, highlighting America’s airpower across both the European and Pacific theaters,” said Josh Wells, chief executive officer of B-29 DOC. “Seeing these historic aircraft together brings history to life and offers a rare opportunity for people to experience World War II up close.”

The three bombers will arrive in Wichita on Monday, August 3, and will be available for public tours throughout the week when the airplanes are not flying.

“Bringing the B-17 and B-25 together with DOC creates a remarkable tribute to the crews and aircraft that helped secure victory during World War II,” said Mike Garrett, CAF Airbase Arizona tour director. “Each of these airplanes represents a different chapter of the war and seeing them side by side gives people a rare chance to connect with the history, sacrifice, and legacy of the Greatest Generation.”

Event Details for B-29 DOC Hangar, Education & Visitors Center (August 4-9):

  • August 4-7: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (last admission ticket sold at 3 p.m.)
  • August 8 & 9: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (last admission ticket sold at 3:30 p.m.)

General admission will be $15 per person or $30 per family, which includes ramp and aircraft tour access when the airplanes are not flying. Those tickets can be purchased the days of the event. Ride flight ticket prices vary per aircraft and are on sale now: