Boeing B-29 Superfortress - Warbird Tech Vol. 14

103 Pages·1999·106.97 MB·English

by  Peter M. Bowers

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5 E R I E 5
BOEING 0-29
I
VOLUME14!
• Prototypes and Experimentals • Korean War Combat
I
•Technical Manual Excerpts • Flying Gas Stations
•World War II Combat • Survivors
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VOLUME 14
BOEING B-29
M.
By PETER BOWERS
r
Copyright © 7999PeterM.Bowers
Publishedby
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DesignedbyDennisR.Jenkins
CoverPhoto via theLarryDavis Collection
Printedin the UnitedStates ofAmerica
TABLE OF CONTENTS
THE BOEING 8-29 SUPERFORTRESS
PREFACE •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 4
ANDTHETHANKS GoTo •••
CHAPTER 1:ORIGINS Of THE DESIGN •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 6
THEYWERE ALL ON PAPER
CHAPTER 2: DETAILS OF THE 8-29 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 9
A COMPLEX GIANT
CHAPTER 3: SERVICE TEST MODELS•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••.••••• 29
AND SOME INTERESTING EXPERIMENTALS •••
CHAPTER 4: 8-29 PRODUCTION••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 37
A TECHNOLOGICAL MIRACLE
CHAPTER 5:To WARTHE HARDWAY••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• S1
DO-IT-YOURSELF AIR BASES
SPECIAL FULL COLOR SECTION:THE SUPERFORT IN COLOR •••••••••••••••••• 6S
COLORS AND MARKINGS OFTHE B-29
CHAPTER 6: 1946-1960 OPERATIONS ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 69
AND ANOTHER WAR
CHAPTER 7: FLYING GAS STATIONS •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 81
CLANCY LOWERSTHE BOOM
CHAPTER 8: 8-29 DERIVATIVES ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 87
SWORDS INTO PLOUGHSHARES
CHAPTER 9: SURVIVING 8-29s ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••-••••••••••• 9S
AND WHERETO FINDTHEM
SIGNIFICANT DATES •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 99
KEY DATES INTHE HISTORYOFTHE B-29 SUPERFORTRESS
ApPENDIX I ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 100
B-29 SERIAL NUMBERS
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PREFACE
.
ANDTHETHANKS GoTo •••
T
he B-29 Superfortress,Boe have the long-range, heavy- which the Air Corps assigned the
. ing Model 345,can truly be bomber field to itself.The Boeing experimental designations XB-29
... called the miracle aircraft Aircraft Company of Seattle,Wash- through XB-32 forfurther study.
of World War II. No other major ington,had tried unsuccessfully for
combat model, regardless of size, several years to sell the u.s. Army After the proposals were evaluated
had as short an interval between Air Corps on new and advanced at the Air Corps'technical center at
first flight and first appearance over bomber designs. The Air Corps Wright Field in Dayton,Ohio,two of
enemy territory - 20 months. Once (U.s. Army Air Forces after 20 June the designs were eliminated. In
the design was completed and 1941) realized the need for such a August 1940, Boeing with the
ordered into production,newfacto design at the outbreak of war in XB-29, and Consolidated Aircraft
ries were built.The first ofthe three Europe.The Air Corps called on the Corp. of San Diego, California, with
.prototypes flew on 21 September u.s.aircraft industry,on 29 January the XB-32, were awarded contracts
1942.To accomplish this feat, the 1940, to submit proposals for a for two prototype aircraft each
world's greatest subcontracting heavy bomber with atop speed of (later threeL plus 14 service test
networkwas established to provide 400 mph, a range of 5,333 statute and 250 production models.This
materials, equipment, and sub miles, capable of delivering a one- was in keeping with the Air Corps'
assemblies. A massive civilian net ton bomb load at the half-way policy of having two sources for a
work and military-training program point.Boeing and three other man- new design in case the first choice
weredeveloped atthe sametime. ufacturers submitted proposals, to did not live up to expectations.
The B-29s were initially
based in China, unlike the
American heavy bombers
in the Euorpean Theatre
which were placed at
established air bases with
in range ofenemyterritory.
InChina,the B-29sflew out
of bases created by hand
using coolie labor. All fuel
and bombs for raids on
Japan were ferried from
India in the B-29s them
selves. Some made dozens
of"Hump Runs" over the
world's highest mountains,
through terrible weather.
Foroperations in the Pacif
ic, Japanese-held islands
had to be captured before
B-29 bases could be built
onthem. The 8-29's onlycompetition was the Consolidated 8-32.This is a 8-32-7-CF builtin
Consolidated'sTexas factory.Thethreeprototypeswerepressurized,andtwohadtwin
In its preliminary design tails. Production models were unpressurized and had the single tail shown. During
stages the B-29 did not developmenton thesingletail,one8-32wasfittedwitha8-29verticaltail.(Convair)
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WARBIRDTECH
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(One notable exception was the tographs, and drawings. I grateful Ray Wagner. Special thanks go
Martin B-26 Marauder.)This was an ly acknowledge the direct assis to Mike Lombardy and Tom
unprecedented gamble in ordering tance of the following individuals Lubbesmeyer of the Boeing
aradically new design into produc in the preparation of this Warbird Archives, who went out of their
tion so far in advance of the first Tech volume: John Amendola, way to find Boeing photographs
flightofthe prototypes. Larry Davis,Marty Isham, Frederick and documents that were essen
Johnsen, Donald Keller, Alwyn tial to this project.
The Boeing proved to be the bet Lloyd, David Lucabaugh, Ernest
ter of the two. Chronic troubles MacDowall, David Menard, Merle
with the B-32, plus resulting low Olmstead, Boardman Reed, Stan PeterM.Bowers
priority, resulted in reduced B-32 Staples, Warren Thompson, and Seattle,July 1998
production during the war. Count
ing the three XB-32 prototypes, SectionI RESTRICTED
AN Ol-20EJA-l
only 115 B-32s were built. Just a
handful got into action in the
Pacific in the closing months of
the war, and then only as recon
naissance aircraft rather than
37,000
60,000
heavy bombers. In contrast, 3,965
4S0aH.P.
1."20Sq.Ft.
B-29s were completed outof9,052 10...Ft.
73ft.
ordered prior to the V-J Day can
cellations.They were assembled by
three separate manufacturers in
fourwidely dispersed factories.
Initial raids on Japan were from
bases in China. After Pacific
Islands nearer to the Japanese
mainland were captured, large 12.000
120,000
and well-supplied bases were 8800H.P.
1,738Sq.ft.
established on them. Raids on 141 Ft.
99Ft.
Japan became a daily occurrence,
with hundreds of B-29s involved.
By August 1945, the B-29s had
devastated Japan's industry and
its military and naval facilities; the
country was on the verge of sur
render before the controversial
atomic bombs were dropped.
37.400
60,000
...eooH.P.
With or without the A-bombs, the 1.050Sq.Ft.
110Ft.
B-29 is the weapon that ended 66Ft.
World War II in the Pacific.
Acknowledgments
Figure3-Comparison8-J7,8-29,and8..24
The compilation of a volume like iv RESTRICTED
this is never a one-man operation;
no single source can provide all of A comparison ofthe Boeing B-17Flying Fortress,Boeing B-29Superfortress,
the necessary information, pho- andConsolidatedVulteeB-24Liberator.(U.s.ArmyAirCorps)
BOEING
B-29 SUPERFORTRESS 5
ORIGINS 0 HE DESIGN
·.... ....
THEYWERE ALL ON PAPER
Y
he design evolution of the tions and performance projections Model 333,333A
Boeing B-29 combat air appears atthe end ofthis chapter.
.......... craft took place largely on The initial study for Model 333
paper. Development therefore dif Model 316 was somewhat futuristic. Aerody
fered markedlyfrom eitherthe Boe namic cleanliness was achieved by
ing B-17 Flying Fortress orthe Con Boeing's Model 316 was in effect a burying four liquid-cooled, 12
solidated B-24Liberator.B-29 proto cleaned-up XB-15 with the wing cylinder, Allison V-1710 engines in
types and production models were moved to the top of the fuselage, the wings; the engines drove tan
so similar they were difficult to tell nearly double the power,and atri dem tractor and pusher propellers
apart. Five separate designs (not cycle landing gear, the first on a through extension shafts. The
counting A-variants) were studied Boeing design.The nose was the Model 333's push-pull arrange
.by Boeing's Preliminary Design nonstepped type used on the ment was dropped in favor ofthe
u.s.
Groupand ArmyAirCorpsengi Model 307 Stratoliner and would four buried engines driving trac
neers beforethe final configuration, be used on subsequent studies tor propellers in the more conven
Model 345,waschosen. leading to the B-29. Model 316 did tional Model 333A.Minorrevisions
not impress the Air Corps, which that did not affect the outward
Two full-scale mockups and exten was overseeing work by Douglas appearance resulted in the Model
sive testing in the Boeing wind Aircraft Company on the even 333B design.
tunnel helped overcome Air Corps largerXB-19atthe time.
misgivings concerning aerody Model 334,334A
namics, bomb-load capacity, Model 322
range, and speed. Other design Model 334 refined Model 333A
facets were produced pretty much The next Boeing design,the Model somewhat. The aircraft still dis
astheywere committed to paper. 322, was more in line with Air played buried engines but now
Corps interest in an improved featured two vertical tail surfaces
Evolution of what was to become B-17.This, too, featured tricycle and a tail gunner's station.This
the B-29 began in March 1938as a landing gear and the wing moved was quickly replaced bythe heavi
Boeing study to improve the new from the B-17's low position to a ly revised Model 334A, which
but underpowered XB-15 (Boeing mid-fuselage location. reverted to four radial engines in
Model 294).The XB-15 was built as conventional nacelles.With a new
a single research model of long The big news with the Model 322 wing, new fuselage, and a single
range heavy bomber operations was the incorporation of a pres tail, the 334A was taking on the
for evaluation bythe AirCorps. surized fuselage for crew comfort appearance of the eventual B-29.
and efficiency at high altitudes. Boeing personnel liked the looks
Air Corps thinking covered the Pressurized aircraft had been of the 334A so much that they
spectrum. One office wanted built experimentally since the built apartial mockup at the com
improved models of the existing early 1920s, but the Boeing pany's expense.
B-17 (Boeing Model 299) and even Model 307 Stratoliner of 1938, a
larger bombers,while another was derivative of the early B-17, was Model 341
reluctant to buy any B-17s, prefer the first production aircraft with
ring a greater number of smaller pressurization. The experience Several Air Corps offices were
bombers for the same money.The gave Boeing a head start in pres interested in the development of
paper designs that culminated in surization design, yet this pro new and larger bombers, but Boe
the B-29 are discussed and illus posed replacement for the B-17 ing was faced with an insurmount
trated below. A table of specifica- was not accepted. able obstacle - no requirements
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WARBIRDTECH
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6
for such aircraft existed.This situa
tion changed after General H. H. Model316
"Hap" Arnold, Air Corps Chief, real
ized early in 1939 the imminence
o
of war in Europe. Arnold formed a
study board under:~Ie direction of
General Walter Kilner. The Kilner
Board was charged with determin
ing Air Corps needs. Among these
was afast (400-mph) bomber with Model322
a range of 5,333 miles, capable of
carrying a one-ton bomb load for c:>;----./
halfofthat distance.
After requirements were drawn up
in December 1939, they were
mailed to qualified manufacturers
with requests for proposals in Jan
Model333
uary 1940. No longer did Boeing
have to tell the Air Corps what it
should have. Now the Air Corps
was telling industry what it want
ed and indicated that it would buy
the best product offered. Boeing
and three other manufacturers
Consolidated, Douglas, and Lock
Model333A
heed - submitted bids at the end
ofFebruary 1940.
a
The Boeing entrywas Model 341,a
further refinement of Model 334A,
based on earlier discussions
between Boeing engineers and rT\
the Air Corps Bombardment Model334
Office. However, as with any pro
~~aE--~'
posal on paper, there were imme
diate changes. In view of early
World War II experience in Europe,
the Air Corps now wanted armor,
increased defensive firepower, and
self-sealing fuel tanks.The propos
als were sent back to the bidders
for revisions.
Model341,345
Model 345
Boeing's response was to applythe
required upgrades to an improved
Model 345 thatdiffered littlein out-
ward appearance from Model 341.
Procurement of at least one ofthe (All from the Peter M.Bowers Collection)
BOEING
B-29 SUPERFORTRESS 7
BOEING DESIGN STUDIES LEADING TO MODEL345 AND THE B-29
Model Span length WingAr•• Gro..Wgt.(lb•.) Engin.s Maximumsp••d Range Remarks ServiceCeiling
(Sq.Ft.1 (AlternateGross) (mph.! (milo.1 Ifoetl
316 157'10" 109'2" 2920 S9.000 WrightGR·2600A73 25Sat 4000 4200lb.bomb. 31.200
1650hp.at2500rpm 25.000ft. 4.50cal.guns
hakeoff) 3.30cal.gun.
crew:nine
designed3.4.3S
322 lOST' 75'5" 1530 40.000 P&WR·21S0G 307at 4000 2500lb.bombs 3S.7OO
153.000) It~e~~ftiat2500rpm 25.000ft. 4.50cal.gun.
crew:six
dosigned1.26.3S
333 109' SO'S" 1420 41.000 AllisonV-1710FI 307at 4220 2000lb.bomb. 33.200
14S.600) (twotandempairs) 15.000ft. 5.50cal"1.30cal.
1150hp.at3000rpm crew:six1sttailgun
(military) designod1.26.39
333A 10S'6" SO·S". 1420 40.500 AllisonV-1710FI 32Sat 3000 paralleldesignto333
146.8001 (conventional) 15.000ft. withtractorengines
1400hp.at2500rpm bur,iedinwing
333B Ill' SO'S" 1522 4S.000 WrightX-1SOO 364at 2500 2000lb.bombs
152.1S01 cubicinchliquid·cooled 20.000ft. improved333A
flatenginesturied dosigned2.21.39
inwing.1850hp.
(takeoff)
334 (1) 120' S4'3" 1844 49.750 P&WX-1S00SlAG 390at 2990at 4,400lb.bombs 37.900
(66.0001 (flat) 20.000ft. 325mph. 3.50cal.5.30cal.
IS50hp.at10S0 4500with crew:nine- twintail
hakeoff) 2000lb.bombs designed3.4.39
334A (21 135' SO' 1400 55.000 WrightR-3350B 390at 5333 2000lb.bombs 36.000
185.S871 2200hp.0\2600'pm 16.000ft. 5.30cal.3.50cal.
(takeoff&.military) designedJuly1939
341 131 124'7" S5'6" 1332 76.000 P&WR-2S00·AG 405at 5333at 2000lb.bombs 35.420
IS5.672) 2000hp.at2700'pm 25.000ft. 25.00011. 6.50cal.guns
hakeoff&militaryl crew:twelve
designedMarch1940
1. Enlarged and improvedtwin-tail version of3338
2. First studytoresemble eventual 8-29 configuration Note: All modelscapable ofgreaterbombloads
atreduced range.
3. Lessspan. more lengththan334A; similartofinal 8-29
new designs was now assured and
official Air Corps designations were
assigned to the four studies - Boe
ing XB-29, Lockheed XB-30, Dou
glas XB-31, and Consolidated
XB-32. After the resubmitted pro
posals were evaluated, Lockheed
and Douglas dropped out, leaving
Boeing and Consolidated in the
running. In July 1940, Boeing was
given the sum of $85,000 for fur
ther study and the building of
wind-tunnel models.
On 6 September 1940 Boeing was
awarded a $3,615,095 contract for
the building of two XB-29 flying
prototypes and one static test arti
cle. In December,the contract was
amended to add a third flyable
prototype. The B-29 program,
THe
which would become unprece Full-scale mockup ofthe XB-29 as it appeared on 25 February 7947.
dented in aviation history,was offi triple-gun (two machine guns and one cannon) tail turret is noteworthy.
cially underway. (PeterM.Bowers Collection)
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WARBIRDTECH
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