An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

100th Anniversary Logo with the 100 in large letters and the museum logo
Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week.
FREE Admission & Parking

Lifeboat from the Sky

The Edo company developed this model A-3 lifeboat in 1947. Modified B-29 bombers, known as SB-29s, carried these boats. SB-29s accompanied bomber formations to the coast of North Korea and circled there while the bombers hit targets inland. If a returning bomber had to ditch in the ocean, a lifeboat could be dropped to save the crew.

The boat could carry 15 people. It was equipped with food and water for several days, and also had a small engine. The boat was self-righting, featured covers to keep out sun, wind and rain, and had a ladder for boarding. About 100 of these boats were made.

TECHNICAL NOTES:
Length:
30 ft.
Weight: 2,736 lbs. fully equipped
Speed: 8 knots on calm water
Engine: Gas, 4-cylinder Red Wing Meteor 20

Click here to return to the Air Rescue Overview.