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KF5JRV > TODAY 23.09.25 18:36l 41 Lines 2612 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
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Subj: Today in History - Sep 21
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On September 21, 1942, the U.S. B-29 Superfortress makes its debut flight in Seattle, Washington. It was the largest bomber use
d in the war by any nation.
The B-29 was conceived in 1939 by Gen. Hap Arnold, who was afraid a German victory in Europe would mean the United States would
be devoid of bases on the eastern side of the Atlantic from which to counterattack. A plane was needed that would travel faste
r, farther, and higher than any then available, so Boeing set to creating the four-engine heavy bomber. The plane was extraordi
nary, able to carry loads almost equal to its own weight at altitudes of 30,000 to 40,000 feet. It also sported the first radar
bombing system of any U.S. bomber.
The Superfortress made its test run over the continental United States on September 21, but would not make its bombing-run debu
t until June 5, 1944, against Bangkok, in preparation for the Allied liberation of Burma from Japanese hands. A little more tha
n a week later, the B-29 made its first run against the Japanese mainland. On June 14, 60 B-29s based in Chengtu, China, bombed
an iron and steel works factory on Honshu Island. While the raid was less than successful, it proved to be a morale booster to
Americans, who were now on the offensive.
Meanwhile, the Marianas Islands in the South Pacific were being recaptured by the United States, primarily to provide air bases
for their new B-29sâ€öa perfect position from which to strike the Japanese mainland on a consistent basis. Once the bases were
ready, the B-29s were employed in a long series of bombing raids against Tokyo. Although capable of precision bombing at high
altitudes, the Superfortresses began dropping incendiary devices from a mere 5,000 feet, firebombing the Japanese capital in an
attempt to break the will of the Axis power. One raid, in March 1945, killed more than 80,000 people. But the B-29's most leth
al missions would come in August, as it was the only plane capable of delivering a 10,000-pound bombâ€öthe atomic bomb. The Eno
la Gay and the Bockâ€Ös Car took off from the Marianas, on August 6 and 9, respectively, and flew into history.
73 de Scott KF5JRV
Pmail: KF5JRV@KF5JRV.#NWAR.AR.USA.NA
Email KF5JRV@gmail.com
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