Boeing B-29 SUPERFORTRESS - is an American heavy strategic bomber used by the United States Army Aviation during and after World War II.
The first plans for this aircraft were born in October 1938, when General Oscar Westover requested a new super bomber - a successor to the B-17 Flying Fortess. According to the first assumptions, the aircraft was to reach a speed of 628 km/h, a range of 8582 km and a payload of 7258 kg. Despite many doubts, work began in June 1940, and the flight took place on September 21, 1942. Engineers and specialists found 9900 defects and flaws in the first copies, which were corrected. The total cost of developing the aircraft was $3 billion !!!! (equivalent to 45 billion by 2022). In total, between 1943 and 1946, the B-29 was produced 3960 copies in various versions. The aircraft had amazing performance for the time: cruising speed of 322-402 km/h (maximum 605 km/h), range of 9000 km (with additional tank 9600 km), ceiling of 9700 meters, and a takeoff weight of 54,000 kg (with an empty weight of 31,815 kg).
Boeing B-29 took part in many combat missions, and one of the most famous was the dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima.
Want to learn more about the history of the B-29 aircraft ? See HERE.
Plastic model to be glued together by Academy. Kit does not include paint and glue.
Specifications:
- Manufacturer: Academy
- Product code: 12517
- Scale: 1/72
For more information and photos, visit the manufacturer's website.
A little history on the video:
A restored Boeing B-29 Superfortress in flight: