Exploring the B-29 DOC: A Close-Up Tour of a Historic Warbird

Join us as we explore the B-29 DOC, one of the rarest airworthy warbirds. This blog post details its history, restoration, and features, including a thrilling engine startup and cockpit insights.

Welcome back to Wingspan Adventures and Flight! In this episode, we delve into one of our core missions: documenting and sharing the stories of historic aircraft that have changed the world. Today, we focus on the B-29, affectionately known as DOC, one of only two airworthy examples of this rare warbird still in existence.

Join us as we explore the B-29 DOC, one of the rarest airworthy warbirds.

A Brief History of the B-29 DOC

The B-29 DOC is a remarkable aircraft with a storied past. Over 80 years old, it was parked in the Mojave Desert in 1956 and was used for target practice by the Air Force. Fortunately, in 1998, it was rescued and began a meticulous restoration process. The result is a stunningly beautiful aircraft with a mirror-like polish that showcases the dedication of its restorers.

Technical Specifications

The B-29 is powered by four Pratt and Whitney R-3350 radial engines, each producing around 2,200 horsepower. The aircraft boasts an impressive wingspan of 141 feet, with a vertical stabilizer that extends to 27 feet 9 inches. The tail gunnery features two .50 caliber machine guns, and some models were equipped with an additional 20mm cannon.

Engine and Performance

The power generated by the B-29's engines is truly astonishing. Each propeller blade measures over 7 feet in length, contributing to the aircraft's formidable performance. The B-29 was capable of carrying up to 20,000 pounds of ordinance, and it played a pivotal role in history by delivering the world's first and second atomic bombs.

Inside the B-29 DOC

Accessing the Aircraft

As we take a closer look at the B-29 DOC, we begin our tour through the rear access door. The tail gunner's compartment is isolated, providing a unique perspective on the aircraft's design. The crew compartments are pressurized, enhancing the comfort and safety of the crew during high-altitude missions.

Gun Control Area

Next, we explore the hatch leading to the gun controller area. The gun turrets were remotely controlled from this section, utilizing early computerized systems that were groundbreaking for their time.

The Bomb Bay

Moving on to the bomb bay, we see the aircraft's capability to carry significant payloads. The B-29 was designed for strategic bombing missions, and its bomb bay was integral to its operational success.

Cockpit Insights

Transitioning into the cockpit, we find ourselves in the pilot's and flight engineer's positions. The flight engineer was responsible for operating the engines and monitoring their performance indicators, while the pilots focused on flying the aircraft. The panoramic visibility from the pilot's seat is a notable improvement over earlier bomber designs, allowing for better situational awareness.

The Bombardier's Perspective

Imagine being the bombardier, looking through the top-secret Norden bombsight at 31,000 feet and traveling at a steady 250 mph. The bombardier had the ability to control the aircraft's autopilot, which allowed for more accurate bomb releases during missions.

The Grand Finale: Engine Startup

As we conclude our tour, it's time for the grand finale: the startup of the B-29's four Pratt and Whitney duplex cyclone engines. Turn up the volume and witness the beauty as these powerful engines roar to life, showcasing the incredible engineering behind this historic aircraft.

Conclusion

Thank you for joining us on this close-up tour of the B-29 DOC. If you enjoyed this episode and are not already subscribed to our channel, be sure to click that button now. We have more warbird tours and stories to share here on Wingspan Adventures and Flight, where every video is an aviation video.