B-29 Superfortress ‘Doc’ Departs for Oshkosh 2017

The restored B-29 Superfortress known as “Doc” took off from Wichita July 21 on its way to Oshkosh, Wis., where it will be on display all week at EAA AirVenture. The B-29 was one of the most technologically advanced aircraft at the time. It has remote-controlled guns and advanced radar for bombing and navigation. It also was the heaviest production aircraft because of increases in range, bomb load and other requirements.

“Doc” flew during the Korean War and was decommissioned in 1956. The restored aircraft is now kept in a former Boeing hangar next to McConnell Air Force Base’s runway. Its permanent home will be constructed at Wichita Eisenhower National Airport by September 2018.

Volunteers pulled “Doc” out of a former Boeing hangar in Wichita, where it is temporarily housed, before takeoff from McConnell Air Force Base on its way to Oshkosh, Wis., with a planned stop in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Pilot-in-command Mark Novak and second-in-command Sean Elliot, along with a flight engineer, navigator and three scanners, crew the B-29 on its way to Oshkosh. The aircraft has no nose wheel steering. The only way to taxi the aircraft is by using brakes and power. Rudders become effective at 50 or 60 mph. Novak is a pilot on the only other B-29 flying, Fifi.

The view from the Bombardier station in the nose of the B-29 called “Doc.” The gunner in that position had an exposed seat and saw the world go by at 200-250 mph, noted Doc spokesman Josh Wells. It was just glass between him and enemy fire. Often the enemy gave chase until the aircraft could climb out of reach.

Flight engineer Ken Newell is the first Wichita-based crew member to serve on “Doc,” The flight engineer really is the one to fly the aircraft. Among his responsibilities are adjusting the throttle and making sure the propellers on all four engines are in sync. 

The tube in the center of the plane allowed crew members to crawl over the bomb bay to the cockpit. The B-29 was the first pressurized bomber. Two areas, fore and aft, were pressurized and connected by the long tube, which also was pressurized.

The tail gunner took his position in the tail of the aircraft. The tail gunner had a separate pressurized area that could be entered or left only at altitudes that did not require pressurization. The only things shooting during this flight are GoPro cameras and the photographers.

The gunner in the main center fire position had a view from the top of the aircraft and controlled all four gun turrets. The seat swivels 360 degrees.

Three scanners crew the B-29 and serve as the eyes and ears of the pilots to monitor what is happening from the wings to the rear of the aircraft.

Scanners Frank Berry (left) and Dan Wimberly.

B-29 “Doc” on its way to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, before it heads to Oshkosh, Wis.

The B-29 “Doc” at Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.