The CAF B-17 Flying Fortress "Texas Raiders" has lived in south Texas since 1967, and in all that time she has never had a home of her own. For decades the big bomber has lived in various rented quarters, sometimes even staying outdoors. Texas Raiders was the first B-17 acquired by the CAF and the first ever to be restored solely for the purpose of education and use as a flying museum. Her military career included service overseas during the Korean era, but today Texas Raiders serves as a hands-on history lesson of American aviation superiority in WWII. She is authentically restored including armament, communications and instruments. Those who visit the iconic aircraft learn about the trajectory of technology in aviation, the strategy of warfare of the times, the critical role the Flying Fortress played in U.S. history, and the lives and times of the men who flew B-17s in combat. She has served the CAF since 1967, and as such has been on her mission of education and remembrance for over 50 years.
The Gulf Coast Wing is launching a project to build a hangar locally, in order to give Texas Raiders a permanent home. The funds raised during this campaign will support site research and survey, architectural drawings, an artist rendering and collateral materials to be shared with government entities, potential donors, and the public.
