B-17 and DC-3 to Celebrate 75th Anniversaries in Dayton

  www.daytonairshow.com

Bombing Run with Spectacular Pyrotechnics Added to Show

Dayton, Ohio – Vectren Dayton Air Show officials announced today they will celebrate the 75th Anniversaries of the iconic Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress and Douglas DC-3 at the 2010 Vectren Dayton Air Show Presented by Kroger on July 17th and 18th at the Dayton International Airport. Also announced is the addition of a bombing reenactment with pyrotechnics that will demonstrate the awesome fire power of the legendary Flying Fortress that played a major role in liberating Europe during World War II.

Two B-17’s will participate in the celebration, Sentimental Journey and the Hollywood Memphis Belle. The DC-3 will be represented by the American Airlines Flagship Detroit. These fully restored aircraft will all be on static display and available for tours prior to flying in the feature show.

The four-engine B-17 is probably the most recognized heavy bomber from WWII. It became known as a potent, high-flying, long-range bomber capable of unleashing great destruction. With the ability to defend itself and return home despite extensive battle damage, the aircraft quickly became a  household name as stories and photos of B-17’s surviving battle damage were widely circulated. In total over 12,000 B-17’s were manufactured with only fifteen remaining air-worthy in the world today.

The Hollywood Memphis Belle is exactly that, the B-17 that was used for the 1989 film The Memphis Belle. With the loss rate of B-17’s and crews very high, the movie chronicled the aircraft’s history as the first to complete 25 combat missions. Rolling off the assembly line in late 1944, Sentimental Journey was sent to the Pacific theater during WWII and remained there for three years. Sentimental Journey and the Hollywood Memphis Belle will join in formation to perform a spectacular bombing raid reenactment complete with dramatic pyrotechnics that is sure to please spectators. The presentation will be a fitting tribute to the venerable B-17 and the men who flew them.

The Douglas Aircraft Company produced and flew the first DC-3 on December 17, 1935 (the 32nd anniversary of the Wright Brothers’ Flight at Kitty Hawk). The DC-3 was the result of a request by American Airlines to enhance the DC-2. The new and improved DC-3 included sleeping berths and an in-flight kitchen, which transformed air travel in the United States. Manufactured in 1937, the Flagship Detroit was the 21st of 84 DC-3’s delivered to American Airlines and operated between 1936 and 1947. The speed and range of the DC-3 revolutionized passenger air travel in the 1930’s and 1940’s and is considered one of the most significant transport aircraft ever made. Over 16,000 of the aircraft were manufactured.

Purchased by the Flagship Detroit Foundation in 2004, the Flagship Detroit was restored to operate as a flying tribute to all American Airlines’ employees past and present. It is flown by retired American Airlines’ pilots, who will appear in period-uniforms. The Flagship Detroit has the honor of being the oldest flying DC-3 in the world today.

“With Dayton’s rich aviation history, it is exciting for us to celebrate the 75th anniversaries of these truly historic aircraft,” said Michael Emoff, Chairman of the USATS Board of Trustees, producers of the event. “Having these aircraft along with the bombing reenactment add to an already impressive show line-up for 2010.” Emoff added.

Headlining this year’s show are the US Navy Blue Angels, who will appear with aerobatic legends Sean D. Tucker and the AeroShell Aerobatic Team along with newcomers Pirated Skies Wing-walking, Greg Poe, Team Fastrax skydiving and School Time Jet-Powered School Bus. The USAF F-16 Fighting Falcon Demonstration was also added to the show line-up in April. As mentioned earlier, the Air Show expects to announce more attractions in the coming weeks.

Tickets are going fast in the Blue Sky Chalets and Pavilion. These reserved areas along with the bargain Family Four Pack are sure to be sell outs this year. Check out all the terrific ticket options on the show’s web site, www.daytonairshow.com. Beginning June 7th, deep discount advance tickets will also be conveniently available exclusively at Kroger stores in the Dayton-Cincinnati region.