Specifications

Einstein had feared that atomic bombs "might very well prove too heavy for transport by air."  The atomic bomb turned out to be well within the capacity of the B-29.  The atomic bomb was "taylored to fit the plane rather than the reverse."

Aircraft - B-29 (USA)

Known as the Superfortress, the B-29 bomber was extremely useful in the war against Japan.  By 1944 B-29's were being used to bomb the main islands of Japan.  The first night fire bombing attack in March 9, 1945 caused more casualties than either of the atomic bombs.  They were also used to drop mines in the waters around Japan to cripple Japan's shipping, and eventually to drop the atomic bombs.

By the 1950's the B-29 bombers were being replaced by there larger B-36 bombers.  The WADC used them as experimental aircraft.

B-29 (at left) Compared to the next generation bomber, the XB-36.

Specifications of the B-29

Type - 4 Engine Bomber

Power Plant - Four 2,200-horsepower Wright Double Cyclone engines

Dimensions - Span 141 ft. 3 in., Length 99 feet, Height 29 ft. 7 in., Wing Area 1736 sq. ft.

Armament - 12 .50-caliber machine guns, 1 20 mm cannon, 20,000-pound bomb load

Crew -  10 Crew

Weight - Empty 70,140 lbs. Max. 124,000 lb. Fuel 5,638-8198 gal.

Performance -  Top Speed 358 mph at 25,000 ft.  Cruising 230 mph, Landing 105 mph. Service Ceiling 31,850 ft. Range 3,250 miles/20,000 lbs bombs, 5,600 miles max.

Production Run - 4,221 B-29's were made from four different plants.

Source: American Combat Planes by Ray Wagner, 1960