BOEING B-29B
Posted 6/26/2009
Printable Fact Sheet
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Boeing B-29B-60-BA (S/N 44-84061) "Pacusan Dreamboat." On Oct. 4-6, 1946, this B-29 with Col. Irvine and his crew made an unrefueled non-stop 9,500-mile flight from Honolulu to Cairo, Egypt, over the Arctic regions in 39 hours, 36 minutes. The route was chosen for its hazards of winter weather and complicated navigation and communications problems. (U.S. Air Force photo)
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The Boeing B-29B was a modification of the basic B-29 design for use in the Pacific during World War II for low-level bombing raids against Japan. The Army leadership, particularly Gen. Curtis LeMay, felt that a lighter and faster bomber would be more effective since fighter opposition over Japan was minimal by late 1944 and flak was the most serious threat to U.S. bombers. The B-29B had all defensive armament removed except for the tail turret. The 20mm cannon was removed and the two .50-cal. machine guns were aided by the installation of an AN/APG-15B radar fire control system. Bell aircraft built 311 -B models at their Marietta, Ga., plant between January and September 1945.
One B-29B, Pacusan Dreamboat, was flown by Col. Irvine and his crew on Oct. 4-6, 1946, on an unrefueled, non-stop, 9,500-mile flight from Honolulu to Cairo, Egypt, over the Arctic regions in 39 hours, 36 minutes. The route was chosen for its hazards of winter weather and complicated navigation and communications problems.
| Type |
Number built/
converted |
Remarks |
| B-29B |
311 |
Improved B-29 |
TECHNICAL NOTES:
Armament: Two .50-cal. machine guns plus 20,000 lbs. of bombs
Engines: Four Wright R-3350-23 Cyclone radials each equipped with two type B-11 turbo superchargers and each producing 2,200 hp at takeoff power
Maximum speed: 364 mph at 25,000 ft.
Cruising speed: 228 mph
Range: 4,200 miles with 18,000 lbs. of bombs
Service ceiling: 32,000 ft.
Span: 141 ft. 2 in.
Length: 99 ft. 0 in.
Height: 27 ft. 9 in. (at rest); 27 ft. 6.7 in. (taxi position)
Weight: 137,500 lbs. (maximum overload)
Crew: Normal crew of seven consists of pilot, co-pilot, flight engineer, bombardier, navigator, radio operator and tail gunner
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