Albany, New York (July 11, 2000) - - - A B-17 Flying Fortress, known for its daylight bombing raids over Europe during World War II, will be on display and open for tours at Albany International Airport July 14, 15 and 16. The four-engine bomber known as "Sentimental Journey," is scheduled to arrived at 12-Noon on Friday, July 14. A ceremony that will include local crew members who flew missions aboard B-17s will take place at 1PM.

The B-17 was nicknamed the Flying Fortress for its ability to sustain considerable damage while on its bombing missions and still be able to bring its crew back home. Today, instead of bombs, the B-17 carries history.

"Sentimental Journey" came off the assembly line in late 1944 and served in the Pacific. Following the war, the plane was reconfigured to help battle forest fires throughout the country. It was retired from service in 1959 and later donated to the Arizona Wing of the Confederate Air Force. Volunteers disassembled the aircraft and painstakingly restored it to original World War II configuration.

The B-17 will be accompanied by a HE-111 Heinkel "Blitz Bomber," Germany's primary bomber during the war. The Heinkel maintained by Arizona Wing is one of only two in flying condition in the world today. The Heinkel bomber was used extensively in the Battle of Britain. The plane suffered extensive losses by British Spitfires and Hurricanes and was withdrawn to night bombing raids.

The B-17 and Heinkel will be on display next to the Signature Flight Support Terminal, located on the Airport's Access Road. Free parking will be available to those who wish to tour the plane. Spectators will be able to stroll around the planes and take photographs. In addition, individuals will be able to tour the inside of the aircraft for a $7 donation. The B-17 and the Heinkel will be open for tours at the following times: Friday, July 14, 1PM- 6PM; Saturday July 15, 9AM-6PM; and Sunday July 16, 9AM-6PM. Depending on weather conditions, the B-17 is scheduled to offer flights to the public.

The Confederate Air Force is a worldwide, all-volunteer and not-for-profit organization that is dedicated to preserving and flying the great warplanes that dominated the skies during World War II. Out of the 12,731 B-17s built during World War II, there are only about 13 left in flyable condition and approximately eight are flying in the United States.

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