Tour WWII aircraft in West Chicago
The Flying Fortress and the Liberator.
The companion aircraft undoubtedly stir the imagination and bring to mind the strength and power the United States took into World War II.
But take a close-up view of a B-17 and a B-24 and you'll see the danger the aircraft survived and feel the bravery of the men who flew them.
You'll have the opportunity to take a good look at a Flying Fortress, a Liberator and a Mustang fighter this weekend when the Wings of Freedom Tour lands at the DuPage Airport, 2700 International Drive, West Chicago.
On Saturday and Sunday, July 25 and 26, the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress "Nine O Nine" heavy bomber, the Consolidated B-24 Liberator "Witchcraft" heavy bomber, and a P-51 Mustang fighter will be on display and open for tours.
The tour is a rare chance to see the treasures of aviation history. The B-17 is one of only eight in flying condition in the United States. The B-24J and full dual-control P-51C Mustang are the sole remaining examples of their type flying in the world.
Visitors can view the aircraft inside and out. Admission is $12 for adults, $6 for children younger than 12 to see the aircraft close up and tour the inside of the aircraft. Admission is free for World War II veterans.
Aviation enthusiasts who want to get a glimpse of what flying in the war was like can book a flight aboard any of the three aircraft. Half-hour flights on either the B-17 or the B-24 are $450 per person. Flights on the P-51 are $2,200 for a half-hour and $3,200 for a full hour. For reservations and information, call (800) 568-8924.
Hours for the display and ground tours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, July 25 and 26. The 30-minute flight experiences are scheduled before and after the ground tour hours.
The Wings of Freedom Tour is part of the outreach of the Collings Foundation, a nonprofit, educational organization devoted to providing living history events that allow people to learn more about their heritage and history through direct participation.
The tour is celebrating its 26th year and visits an average of 110 cities in more than 35 states annually. Since its start, tens of millions of people have seen the B-17, B-24 and P-51 display.
The B-17 and B-24 were the backbone of the American effort during the war from 1942 to 1945 and were famous for their ability to sustain damage and still accomplish the mission. Despite the risks of anti-aircraft fire, attacking enemy fighters, and the harrowing environment of subzero temperatures, many B-17s and B-24s safely brought their crews home. The P-51 Mustang was affectionately known as the bombers' "Little Friend," saving countless crews from attacking Axis fighters.
After the war, many aircraft were scrapped for their raw aluminum to rebuild a nation in postwar prosperity, therefore, very few were spared. The rarity of the B-17, B-24 and P-51 and their importance to telling the story of WWII is why the Collings Foundation continues to fly and display the aircraft nationwide.
At each location, local veterans and their families are encouraged to visit and share their experiences and stories with the public.
For information, visit collingsfoundation.org.
If you go
What: Wings of Freedom Tour, featuring a B-17, a B-24 and a P-51 aircraft from World War II
When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, July 25 and 26
Where: DuPage Airport, 2700 International Drive, West Chicago
Cost: $12 for adults, $6 for children younger than 12, free for World War II veterans
Info: collingsfoundation.org