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B-29 Superfortress Specs

The B-29 Superfortress was the largest, most powerful, and advanced bomber used in WWII. It had greater range, payload, and accuracy then the other bombers of the era. It had such innovative features, such as friend and foe systems, remote controlled defensive guns, cabin pressurization, and a more aerodynamic design. Even it engines were a revolutionary design due to the simple fact that it had twin turbo-chargers instead of the then standard single turbo.

The B-29 was such an advanced design that it was decided that it would be used exclusively in Pacific theater of operations. It was used repeatedly to carpet bomb Japan. Of course it is most famous for dropping the first two atomic bombs at Hiroshima (dropped by the Enola Gay) and Nagasaki (dropped by Bockscar). After WWII ended the B-29 saw use in many different roles. It was modified to be one the first tanker aircraft and also saw duty as a reconnaissance, a trainer, a transport, and a weather monitoring aircraft. The B-29 saw use until towards the end of the Korean War. This aircraft served it purpose well and its use effectively ended WWII.

Specs for the B-29.

Function:     Heavy bomber
Contractor:     Boeing
Power Plant:     4 Wright R-3350's of 2,200 hp each
Length:     99 ft
Height:     27 ft. 9 in.
Max Weight:     133,500 lbs loaded
Max Speed:     357 mph
Cruising Speed:     220 mph
Range:     3,700 miles
Armament:     8 .50 cal. machine guns, 1 20mm cannon, and 20,00 lbs of bombs
Crew:     10
Deployment Date:     1943