The oldest surviving and only existing "D" model B-17 Flying Fortress, The Swoose, is being transferred to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force from the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.
"It's just better for both institutions for the aircraft to go back to the National Historic Collection. Our restoration crews can use their knowledge and expertise from restoring the Memphis Belle to restoring The Swoose," said Sarah Parke, public affairs specialist for the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.
The fuselage and a couple engines already have arrived and after more parts arrive in coming weeks, the plane will go through a technical inspection to determine "exactly" how to restore it and how long it'll take, she said. Restoration is expected to last a couple years.
Visitors can see the restoration process starting with parts that have arrived every Friday by signing up for a behind the scenes tour at
www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/visit/tours/index.asp.
The Swoose was originally called Ole Betsy and flew in the first combat mission after Pearl Harbor, according a press release. After repairs in 1942, it was renamed The Swoose and used as Gen. George Brett's personal aircraft before being used as high-speed transport for the remainder of World War II.
"It's just another aspect of military aircraft we can use to tell the story of the Air Force in World War II. It enhances the collection and tells a different aspect of history," Parke said.
Gary