B-29 Strategic Operations against Japan

[Talyn]

Part 1: The CBI Theater

Suffering an arduous start in the CBI Theater, the B-29 would initially struggle to prove its worth, the victim of teething problems from its rapid development and production, along with supply issues once in theater.​

Originally designed as a high-altitude precision strategic bomber for daylight raids, the Boeing B-29 Superfortress was included in the plans for the war against Germany and the Axis powers in Europe. However, delays continued until the war in Europe ended, resulting in the big bomber being deployed exclusively against the forces of the Empire of Japan beginning in the China Burma India Theater.

Black Jack, a Boeing B-29 Superfortress of the 678th Bomb Squadron, 444th Bomb Group, 58th Bomb Wing,
20th Air Force sits idle in India as workers continue to carry soil away by hand. Black Jack was lost on May 19, 1944
at Charra Airfield, India. (Image credit: United States Air Force)

B-29 Strategic Operations against Japan Part 1: The CBI Theater

Suffering an arduous start in the CBI Theater, the B-29 would initially struggle to prove its worth, the victim of teething problems from its rapid

theaviationist.com

A B-29 of the 40th Bomb Group flying "The Hump" (Himalayas) during Operation Matterhorn in 1944 (USAF)


Part 2: Island Operations

Originally struggling to achieve success in the China Burma India Theater, the Boeing B-29 Superfortress made its mark once tactics were changed and incendiaries were used.​

Originally operating out of the China Burma India Theater with disappointing results, costly losses, and constant supply issues, the Boeing B-29 Superfortress was struggling to achieve success in its intended high-altitude precision strategic bombing role. However, once tactics were changed and incendiaries were used, the B-29 made its mark.

B-29s of the 462d Bomb Group at West Field on Tinian, Mariana Islands, 1945. Once the United States had control of the Mariana
Islands, large bases were constructed capable of handling hundreds of Superfortresses. (Image credit: United States Air Force)

B-29 Strategic Operations against Japan Part 2: Island Operations

Originally struggling to achieve success in the China Burma India Theater, the Boeing B-29 Superfortress made its mark once tactics were changed and

theaviationist.com

Map indicating the range of the B-29 Superfortress when based in the Mariana Islands. Much of Japan’s war industry and major cities were within striking distance of the big bombers. (Image credit: Wikimedia Commons)