The B-29 Superfortress DOC will be stopping in Knoxville from May 7 to 10 as part of its History Restored Tour. The P-51 Mustang Gunfighter is also expected to be there, so visitors will get to see both aircraft together during the four-day visit. DOC is one of 1,644 B-29 bombers built in Wichita during the war and remains one of only two still flying today. The P-51 Gunfighter is a D-model Mustang, among fewer than 150 still in existence out of the roughly 15,000 produced.
“Seeing these two iconic warbirds on tour side by side is a powerful reminder of the skill, sacrifice, and determination that defined the generation who designed, built, flew, and maintained these machines,” said Josh Wells, B-29 DOC executive director. “History comes alive when people can get up close and personal with these warbirds and climb inside to learn more about the Greatest Generation. It showcases the superior airpower history of the United States and its allies during World War II.”
Both aircraft are expected to be open to the public during the stop, with a mix of ground access and ride opportunities planned across the weekend. “World War II shaped the course of modern history, and the aircraft that flew in those skies are powerful symbols of the people who served, sacrificed, and persevered,” said P-51 Gunfighter Pilot Pete Scholl. “By showcasing these historic warbirds today, we keep their stories alive—ensuring that future generations can see, hear, and feel the legacy of those who helped defend freedom.”
The aircraft are set to arrive in Knoxville ahead of the public portion of the event. Ground and cockpit access is scheduled for May 7 and 8, running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Flight experiences aboard the B-29 are planned for the morning hours of May 9 and 10, followed by additional tour access in the afternoon. The P-51 will offer ride flights from May 8 through May 10 and will remain on display when not flying. Admission for ramp and cockpit tours is listed at $10 per person or $20 per family, with tickets available on site. Ride flight tickets for both aircraft are already available, with bookings open at www.b29doc.com/rides for the B-29 DOC and www.gunfighter.com/airplane-rides for the P-51 Gunfighter. For more information and to support Doc’s Friends, click on this link: www.b29doc.com.
