Like many B-29s, this turret had two extra guns added to protect against head-on attacks In keeping with the rest of the state-of-the-art bomber, it was clear that a computer guided system was needed.Īrmorers check the operation of the four. Locating the gunner remotely from the turrets, however, compounded the problem of hitting a moving target. Rather than trying to also pressurize a revolving turret with a gunner, the turrets were made smaller and more streamlined, with the gunner aiming and firing from inside the pressurized compartment. The specifications for the superbomber called for pressurized compartments that would provide a more comfortable environment for the crew. Even enclosed turrets were not heated, exposing gunners to extremely cold and dangerous conditions. As it turned out, the Dominator suffered more delays than the Superfortress and only entered combat in mid-1945.Įarly models of previous heavy bombers, such as the B-17 and B-24, had gunner positions that were exposed to the open air where temperatures could reach -40 degrees Fahrenheit at altitude. Consolidated’s entry, the XB-32 Terminator (later named Dominator), was chosen as a backup in case the B-29 program ran into difficulty. Four companies submitted designs, but Lockheed and Douglas soon dropped out, and in August the Air Corps ordered two prototypes of Boeing’s XB-29 Superfortress. “Hap” Arnold, fearing war in Europe, pushed for development of a Very-Long Range superbomber for which the Army issued a requirement in January 1940. Curtis LeMay, included this cartoon representations of a B-29 gunner shooting down Japanese aircraft with the press of a button, underscoring the futuristic nature of the central fire control. The Combat Crew Manual issued by XX Bomber Command, under the command of Maj.
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