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Tue, Oct 09, 2007

Gone West: Fifi Agather

Namesake Of CAF B-29

Aero-News has learned Josephine "Fifi" O'Connor Agather -- namesake of the Commemorative Air Force's (CAF) B-29 FIFI -- passed away September 22.

In the 1960s, Victor Agather spearheaded the drive to add a B-29 to the CAF's fleet and then successfully worked to remove the "no-fly" clause in the original agreement wit the Air Force. As a result, in 1974 the aircraft was named FIFI in honor of Agather's wife.

The only remaining airworthy B-29 in the world, FIFI is currently on display at CAF International Headquarters in Midland, TX until the B-29/B-24 Squadron of the CAF raises $3 million to customize new engines for it. The B-29 was originally fitted with the Wright R-3350-57AM engine, which has had a less-than-desirable reputation since its inception.

True to this reputation, FIFI has experienced numerous problems with its engines in the 30-plus years it has been flying with the CAF. Current plans are to combine R-3350-95W and R-3350-26WD engines to customize engines for the B-29, but the B-29/B-24 Squadron must raise the funds before work on the engines begins. 

FMI: www.commemorativeairforce.org

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