Sun N Fun Warbird Alert: Commemorative Air Force P-63 Kingcobra

This #FighterFriday we’re happy to announce that the Commemorative Air Force Dixie Wing‘s P-63 Kingcobra will be joining us at #SNF18! Have you ever seen a P-63 up close and personal?

Although similar in appearance to the P-39, the P-63 was, in fact, a completely redesigned airplane and only a few parts are interchangeable between the two aircraft. The P-63 was a fast airplane – its performance approaching that of the P-51 – but since the P-51 and P-47 were in full production, about 2,400 of the 3,303 P-63s produced were sent to the Soviet Union under the Lend-Lease act.

Throughout its life, this particular P-63 has served many different roles, from test aircraft to airshow performer. You can read its whole story at the Dixie Wing’s website here: http://dixiewing.org/…/02/History-_CAF_P-63A-6_sn-42-68941.…

B-17 “The Movie Memphis Belle” in Kissimmee

Today saw the arrival of the B-17 “The Movie Memphis Belle” to Warbird Adventures in Kissimmee to be based for the next two plus months. Plans are for it to attend the Valiant Air Command’s airshow in Titusville and Sun N Fun in Lakeland. Tours of the aircraft while in Kissimmee will be available.

Also, ride flights are planned to happen. A lot more details and pictures to follow.

“Class of 45” act coming to Sun N Fun

The “Class of 45” act consists of Scott Yoak flying his P-51 Mustang “Quicksilver” and Jim Tobul’s F4u Corsair will be flying demos at Sun N Fun (April 18) and the MacDill AFB (May 18) airshows.

Sun N Fun Warbird Alert: Commemorative Air Force B-17 “Texas Raiders”

From the Sun N Fun Facebook page: The Commemorative Air Force B-17 Texas Raiders returns to the SUN ‘n FUN International Fly-In and Expo for the first time since 2016. Join us at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport for a rare opportunity to see the Flying Fortress.

Of the 12,731 B-17s built across the US, only 9 are currently flying—including Texas Raiders, one of the last flying examples of the famous WWII aircraft. Texas Raiders will offer cockpit tours and the rare opportunity to ride in the historic bomber during the entire run of the Fly-in. Tuesday through Sunday, April 10-15, airshow attendees can visit all the aircraft and for nominal admission can take a walk-through tour that includes commentary from crew members. Attendees who want the ultimate Flying Fortress experience can make a reservation now for one of the limited number of 25-minute flights on the classic aircraft, which features authentic period-specific machine guns, original radio equipment, a Norden bombsight and the four hugely powerful Wright –Cyclone engines.

Tour admission begins at $10 for adults; flights on the B-17 bomber begin at $475.

Cockpit tours begin at 9:00 AM each day and are conducted throughout the day, excluding flight times.

B-17 “The Movie Memphis Belle” coming to Florida

As I write this, the National Warplane Museum B-17 “The Movie Memphis Belle” is heading the Florida. Aircraft will be on display at Warbirds Adventure in Kissimmee and then will be at the Valiant Air Command’s airshow in April. Probably will be at Sun N Fun.