The Boeing B-29 Superfortress was an American four-engine military strategic bomber introduced during the Second World War. Its pressurised crew spaces, powerful engines and remotely controlled defensive guns supported long missions at high altitude. B-29s conducted conventional bombing, incendiary attacks and the atomic bombings of Japan.[1]Development of the Boeing B-29National Museum of the United States Air Force · nationalmuseum.af.mil · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details[2]Boeing B-29 SuperfortressNational Museum of the United States Air Force · nationalmuseum.af.mil · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
Engineering the Superfortress
Development began in 1939, and the XB-29 first flew on 21 September 1942. The Army committed to large-scale production before flight testing was complete. The programme required simultaneous development of the airframe, manufacturing facilities and complex onboard systems.[1]Development of the Boeing B-29National Museum of the United States Air Force · nationalmuseum.af.mil · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
The central fire-control installation separated most gunners from the turrets they operated. Sighting stations and computing equipment coordinated the guns, allowing crew members to remain in pressurised compartments while directing defensive fire. This was a major change from the manned gun positions of earlier American heavy bombers.[3]Defending the Superbomber: The B-29’s Central Fire Control SystemNational Air and Space Museum · airandspace.si.edu · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
Operations against Japan
The first combat mission, against Bangkok on 5 June 1944, used bases in India. Subsequent attacks on Japan staged through China, where supplying fuel and bombs imposed a severe logistical burden. Captured bases in the Mariana Islands provided a more direct route to the Japanese home islands late in 1944.[1]Development of the Boeing B-29National Museum of the United States Air Force · nationalmuseum.af.mil · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
High-altitude bombing suffered from weather and strong winds. The campaign subsequently included devastating low-altitude incendiary raids. Specially modified Silverplate aircraft removed most gun turrets and armour for atomic-bomb missions; Enola Gay attacked Hiroshima on 6 August 1945, and Bockscar attacked Nagasaki three days later.[2]Boeing B-29 SuperfortressNational Museum of the United States Air Force · nationalmuseum.af.mil · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details[3]Defending the Superbomber: The B-29’s Central Fire Control SystemNational Air and Space Museum · airandspace.si.edu · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
Return to war
B-29s returned to combat during the Korean War. The appearance of MiG-15 jet fighters exposed the vulnerability of the piston-engine bomber and forced changes in its employment. Nevertheless, Superfortresses continued attacking selected targets throughout the conflict, extending the aircraft's operational history well into the jet age.[2]Boeing B-29 SuperfortressNational Museum of the United States Air Force · nationalmuseum.af.mil · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details