VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — The Dixie Wing of the Commemorative Air Force will participate in the 2015 Warbirds Over the Beach air show May 15-17, offering rides in its P-51 Mustang “Red Nose,” and SBD-5 Dauntless Thursday through Sunday, May 14-17.
Both aircraft will fly in from Washington D.C. returning from the Arsenal of Democracy Flyover.
The event supports the Military Aviation Museum in Virginia Beach.
“Red Nose” was the plane that launched the Confederate Air Force (now known as Commemorative Air Force). This aircraft has had a long and colorful history, dating back to the closing days of World War II.
It was produced in 1945 at the North American Aviation plant in Inglewood, Calif.
The Dixie Wing’s SBD-5 Dauntless dive bomber is one of only two airworthy SBD-5s still flying in the world and the only one restored to its original World War II configuration, complete with a fully restored and operational rear gunner station.
The SBD was the first American combat aircraft to shoot down a Japanese Zero fighter. SBDs also played a critical role in the Battle of Midway, sinking four Japanese carriers.
To schedule a flight, click here.