Bombardier’s compass rose calibrates ‘Doc’ warbird
On May 18, 2026, Bombardier was thrilled to assist “Doc” – one of only two flying Boeing B-29 Superfortress warbirds in the world – with some important avionics checks.
Bombardier Group’s U.S. headquarters is based at Eisenhower National Airport in Wichita, Kansas, where Doc rolled off the assembly line at Boeing’s Wichita plant in 1945. Today, the legendary aircraft resides in a purpose-built hangar at Eisenhower National Airport.
Recently, Doc’s maintenance team upgraded the B-29’s cockpit with a new navigational system and testing was required. They contacted Bombardier to request access to our compass rose, which is painted on the tarmac outside our Wichita facilities.
By positioning the B-29 on the ramp directly over the compass rose, Doc’s team was able to confirm alignment with true magnetic north, ensuring proper calibration of the warbird’s new navigational system.
Following the testing, Doc was available for tours and photos with Bombardier employees.
Although 1,644 Boeing B-29 Superfortress aircraft were manufactured in Wichita during the Second World War, only two are still flying today. Bombardier is proud to contribute to this legendary aircraft’s continued airworthiness.