The B-29, though serving only in the Pacific theatre during World War II was originally conceived in response to the German threat.  In 1939, Charles Lindbergh returned to the United Sates from Germany where he toured the Luftwaffe as Herman Goering's private guest. Upon return, Lindbergh  met with the U.S. Army Air Corp chief Major General Henry H. "Hap" Arnold. Arnold was informed that the German Luftwaffe was more formidable than the airforces of every other European nation combined. Fearful that the enemy could establish airbases in the Western Hemisphere within striking distance of the U.S., the Air Corps established the need for a bomber capable of striking back. Following the swift invasion of Poland, Congress began to emerge from its isolationist position and granted the Air Corps 4.7 mission dollars for bomber research. The requirements of the new bomber would be a range of 5,000 miles carrying one ton of bombs and a top speed of 400 miles per hour. In June Consolidated and Boeing were awarded 85,000 dollars to run wind tunnel tests on their designs.

In September of 1940 the same two companies received contracts of 3.6 million dollars to construct two prototypes each. Though 15 B-32's of Consolidated Aircraft did see action in the Pacific during World War II, it was Boeing that was awarded the full production contract for its B-29 Superfortress.

Crash Scene of the Second Prototype X-29, Feb. 18, 1943, photo from Eles and Pizzi

Specifications:

Country: United States
Manufacturer: Boeing
Designation: B-29 Superfortress
Type: Bomber
Service Dates: 1944 to mid-1950's
Length: 99'-0"
Wingspan: 141'-3"
Height: 29'-7"
Empty Weight: 70,140 lbs
Gross Weight: 124,000 lbs
Maximum Speed: 358 mph
Maximum Range: 3,250 miles
Maximum Altitude: 31, 850 ft.
Number of Crew: 10 +
Engine Type: Reciprocating
Engine Manufacturer: Pratt & Whitney
Engine Designation: R3350 x 4
Engine Horse power: 2,200 hp

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