The Memphis Belle

After stalking the landscape of western England I was ready for a change. I took the day and drove to Duxford Aerodrome. The Imperial War Museum - Duxford is England's equivalent of the US Airforce Museum at Wright-Patterson AFB or the National Air & Space Museum in Wash. DC. Duxford has major displays of both UK and US military aircraft. There is a big emphasis on WWII, especially with the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain being recognized this summer.

The big surprise and special treat was seeing a B17 Flying Fortress. This plane is the only operational B17 based in Europe, and it operates out of Duxford. While I was there the crew fired up the engines and took her out for a flight. They were gone for about two hours and returned later in the afternoon.

The plane carries different nose art on the two sides of the plane. One side is painted as the Memphis Belle. This plane was used in the shooting of the movie of the same name.

This image is of the plane on takeoff from Duxford. I hope you enjoy it !