Photographer unknown

This aircraft made the last ever B-50 flight in December 1980 when it was flown from Tucson to the museum. It had been retired from active service in 1965, and was restored to flying condition for the one time flight, hence the "Flight of the Phoenix" name. This slide shows the markings originally on the a/c when acquired by the museum. It has since been repainted somewhat differently, including the Flight of the Phoenix colors.

Used for weather observations with an air sampling station located on top of the fuselage. Made a wheels-up landing at RAF Mildenhall on 15 December 1959 and subsequently dismantled for spares.

"Flight of the Phoenix" arrived at the museum on 15 December 1980.

B-50D converted to WB-50D weathership with observation turret on its upper fuselage. Red fin (in case of force landing in the Arctic) and "Weather" in fin stripe. Operated by the 53rd Weather Squadron based at Burtonwood.

WB-50D of 53 Weather Reconnaissance Squadron on finals to its base at RAF Burtonwood, Lancashire. Red fin with 'Weather' band. Observation and sampling position is visible on top of the mid fuselage.

The B-29 Superfortress was arguably the most advanced aircraft of WWII. The B-50 was a postwar variant, used as a bomber, tanker, reconnaissance and weather reconnaissance aircraft.