B-29 55 of the 9th BG
Identifying Individual B-29s
- Radio Call Numbers: Early in the B-29’s service, individual aircraft were identified by black radio call letters and numbers painted on the forward fuselage. These could consist of a letter and two or three digits, or just digits alone. However, as the number of B-29s in service increased, this system became less practical and was eventually replaced by more comprehensive marking schemes.
- Unit Markings: The most prominent way of identifying a B-29 was through the standardized unit markings that evolved over time. As previously discussed, these markings incorporated a geometric symbol on the tail fin, with a group letter inside.
- The group letter identified the specific bomb group to which the B-29 belonged. For example, the 9th BG used the letter “X”.
- Squadron colors were sometimes incorporated into these markings. In the 40th BG, for instance, the 25th BS had red fin tips, the 44th BS had blue fin tips, and the 395th BS had black fin tips. Other groups used colored bands around the fuselage or different colored rudders.
- Aircraft numbers were typically painted on the rear fuselage. The specific number assigned to a B-29 depended on its squadron. For example, in a three-squadron group, the first squadron might have aircraft numbered 1 through 25, the second squadron 26 through 50, and so on. Some groups, like the 444th BG, placed the aircraft number in a diamond on the fin.
- Lead aircraft were often further distinguished by a black stripe on the vertical stabilizer.
- Nose Art: In addition to these standardized markings, many B-29s featured unique nose art. This often included the aircraft’s name and sometimes its mission tally. Nose art allowed for individual expression and personalization of the aircraft, fostering a sense of crew pride and identity.
- Buzz Numbers: After the war, a system of “Buzz Numbers” was introduced to identify aircraft engaged in illegal low flying. This involved two letters followed by the last three digits of the aircraft’s serial number. For example, B-29-97-BW 42-21756 would be marked BF-756.
The combination of unit markings, aircraft numbers, and nose art provided a comprehensive system for identifying individual B-29s. These markings were essential for maintaining order and efficiency in large-scale B-29 operations during World War II and beyond.