Restored World War II bomber selling public flights in Wichita this weekend

? A World War II bomber restored to resemble the famed Flying Fortress “Memphis Belle” will offer flights this weekend over Wichita.

The plane is owned by the nonprofit Liberty Foundation and is one of 13 B-17’s that still fly. The group will be at Wichita’s Jabara Airport on Saturday and Sunday, selling public flights for $450 each to help pay for the plane’s upkeep.

The original “Memphis Belle” was the first heavy bomber of World War II to successfully complete 25 missions, dropping bombs over Germany, France and Belgium. It brought all of its crew members back safely.

The restored plane visiting Wichita never saw combat, but it’s painted in the colors of the “Memphis Belle” and was used in the 1990 film of that name.