RichB
Well-known member
The prototype XB-29 first flew in 1942. From its introduction to service in May 1944 until retirement in June 1960, 3,970 B-29's had been built. It had fought in WW2 and Korea and served with the USAAC/USAF, RAF and RAAF. Due to its robustness and power it served in many roles. Its most famous role was as a bomber (B-29) in the CBI and Pacific Theatres. It was also used for cargo carrier (CB-29), SAR (SB-29), Photo Recon (F-13), Weather Recon (WB-29), AAR (KB-29), ELINT (RB-29), Mothership for the parasite fighter and X-1 programs (EB-29) and trainer/target tug (TB-29) duties.
In Dec 1945 the order for 200 B-29D's was reduced to 60 aircraft and its designation changed to the B-50. Boeing also used the B-29/50 as the basis for the C-97/Model377 Stratocruiser family of transports and airliners.
The Soviet Union reverse engineered the B-29 as the Tu-4 bomber and the Tu-70 and Tu-75 transport. Only the Tu-4 was to see operational service with the Soviet Union from 1949 to 1960 and the China's PLAAF from 1953 to 1988. Tupolev built 897 aircraft as well as several experimental and development airframes that led ultimately to the Tu-95 Bear.
Cheers,
Rich
In Dec 1945 the order for 200 B-29D's was reduced to 60 aircraft and its designation changed to the B-50. Boeing also used the B-29/50 as the basis for the C-97/Model377 Stratocruiser family of transports and airliners.
The Soviet Union reverse engineered the B-29 as the Tu-4 bomber and the Tu-70 and Tu-75 transport. Only the Tu-4 was to see operational service with the Soviet Union from 1949 to 1960 and the China's PLAAF from 1953 to 1988. Tupolev built 897 aircraft as well as several experimental and development airframes that led ultimately to the Tu-95 Bear.
Cheers,
Rich
