If B-17, B-24 and P-51 sound like bingo numbers to you, it’s time you brushed up on your World War II history.
The opportunity to do just that comes this weekend, when three of the most effective and heavily utilized aircraft that helped win the war will fly into Marana.
The Wings of Freedom Tour is Friday through Sunday at Marana Regional Airport, 11700 W. Avra Valley Road.
The stars of the show will be the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress, which was flown in both the Pacific and European theaters, the Consolidated B-24 Liberator, the most-produced military aircraft in American history, and the North American P-51 Mustang, a single-seat fighter/bomber that reportedly served as the namesake for the Ford sports car.
The nation-spanning, 110-city tour is the brainchild of the Collings Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to transportation-related education.
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Foundation spokesman Hunter Chaney said the tour brings World War II history to life.
“If I read about World War II history, it’s something I might remember,” Chaney said, “but to experience World War II history like this is to never forget it. It’s an indelible experience. These are three of the most iconic warbirds from World War II.”
All three planes will be available for walk-through tours. Flights on the B-17 and B-24 are $450, and flight training on the P-51 is $2,200 for 30 minutes or $3,200 for an hour.
To reserve flights, which take place before and after ground-tour hours, call 1-978-562-9182.
There will also be costumed reenactors and docents who will guide onlookers through the aircraft and talk about their accomplishments.
Marana tour-stop coordinator Roger Stubbs said the event inspires awe in crowds.
“What’s captivating about it to me is that, unlike reading about history or even standing behind the ropes and looking at something from a distance at display aircraft, the aircraft are literally brought to the public,” Stubbs said. “For a very modest admission, folks can not only see, but walk through both of the four-engine bombers, and you actually get to see and touch and smell.”
The act of getting one’s hands on the aircraft makes history seem more real.
“It’s a whole world of discovery,” Stubbs said. “It’s a much more interactive history lesson than most people have had a chance to experience.”
Marana resident George Lipphardt, who volunteers to help stage the show, said those with a passion for the subject will be thrilled by it.
“I would think that anybody who has any interest in aviation — especially World War II aviation — will find this exciting. There aren’t a lot of these planes flying anymore,” he said. “A lot of people have fun out here. Even the kids enjoy it, even though they may not understand it.”
