B-29 Bomber

The B-29 Superfortress revolutionized World War II-era bombers, enabling long-range missions over Japan. The “super bomber” could carry more payload and fly faster than the Army’s B-17 or B-24 heavy bombers. The B-29 was also equipped with a pressurized interior, allowing crewmen to fly long distances in relative comfort. Two modified B-29s dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan, helping end the war in the Pacific. Another carried Chuck Yeager and the Bell X-1 rocket plane aloft for the first supersonic flight in 1947.

The Museum’s B-29, known as T-Square 54, fought in the Pacific during World War II, flying 37 bombing missions with the 875th Bomb Squadron, 498th Bomb Group. The bomber was later converted to an aerial refueling tanker for the Korean Conflict.

This aircraft is on loan to the Museum of Flight from the National Museum of the United States Air Force.

“What a fantastic opportunity to take part in preserving American History.  No words can express how thankful I am for the men and women that, have and continue to, serve our armed forces.  The least I could do is see that their efforts are preserved.”