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.

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

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.