WICHITA, Kan., Sept. 30 (UPI) — A non-profit organization restoring Doc, a historic B-29 Superfortress, has launched a 30-day Kickstarter campaign to move the aircraft into the flight-test stage.
Doc’s Friends, the organization, has been restoring the B-29 for 17 years, and successfully tested its engines earlier in September, marking the first time all four engines were fired up since 1956. However, the organization says additional funding is needed to support an actual flight test.
The group has 29 days to reach their stated goal of $137,000, which includes fuel, maintenance, insurance, and other costs. The group has crowdfunded over $3,000 so far, with 40 backers.
“Our passionate team of supporters and volunteers have accomplished what many said couldn’t be done,” Tom Bertels, a board member for Doc’s Friends, said in a statement. “Beginning today, there’s a 30-day window for everyone else to step up and be a part of history.”
The Boeing B-29 Superfortress was a four-engine heavy bomber used by the United States and Britain during World War II and the Korean War. It was considered one of the largest and most advanced aircraft of its time.
Doc was recovered by Tony Mazzolini from the Mojave Desert in 1987. Since that time, more than 300,000 volunteer hours have been devoted to the restoration process, using thousands of donated aircraft parts.
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