80,000 Pounds of Wichita History

Doc the B-29 Superfortress is kind of a big deal – literally.  In fact, the B-29 was larger and heavier than bombers previously flown in the U.S. and had not undergone the same amount of testing as its predecessor. Those familiar with the newer bomber were aware of major problems including engine fires and as a result, Army pilots were less than enthusiastic about flying the B-29. This is why Colonel Paul S. Tibbets recruited Dora Dougherty and Dorothea Moorman to be demo pilots, which was a resounding success:  men no longer complained about the plane.

Not only were women imperative in convincing Army pilots to train to fly on the plane, but they were also imperative in the production of the plane. In its Marietta, Georgia plant, the historically male dominated assembly workforce transitioned to around 37 percent female in various positions within the B-29 building. 

Doc started its roots in Wichita, Kansas where it was manufactured during World War II. After serving in the war, Doc was retired to a life at the Mojave Desert where it was a target for bomb training for many years before being rescued and restored by Tony Mazzolini and many volunteers, returning to its birthplace in Wichita. 

On March 9, 2024, a team of 24 Great Plains Ventures employees (including GPV, Great Plains Industries, ASC, and PowderTech) joined muscle with WuShock to pull the nearly 80,000-pound plane 25 feet in 8.7 seconds, finishing in 8th place of 20 teams!

Doc is not only a piece of Wichita history, but a part of women’s manufacturing history. As most know, Rosie the Riveter was an image that inspired women to take manufacturing jobs during World War II and created movement in a powerful direction. On March 21st we celebrate Rosie the Riveter Day and those who continue to pave the way for women’s careers in the future!