Crew of B-29 July 1945
Crew Training for the B-29 Superfortress
The B-29 Superfortress, a complex and technologically advanced aircraft, demanded rigorous training for its crews to ensure operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
Initial Challenges and Adaptations
The B-29 program faced significant hurdles from its inception, including production delays and technical issues with the aircraft’s systems, particularly the Wright R-3350 engines. These challenges directly impacted crew training, as the shortage of available B-29s forced early crews to train on B-17s and B-24s. This initial reliance on older bomber types for training underscores the pressing need to get crews into the air and familiarized with basic bomber operations while awaiting the availability of sufficient numbers of Superfortresses.
The lack of available B-29s necessitated creative solutions to provide realistic training for aircrews:
- Conversion of Liberators: A limited number of B-24 Liberators were modified to the RB-24L specification, equipped with B-29 tail, upper, belly, and chin turrets to simulate the defensive armament layout of the Superfortress.
- Adaptation of Training Aids: Existing training tools like the Waller Trainer, initially used for conventional bomber gunnery training, were adapted for use with the B-29’s remote gun turrets.
These adaptations demonstrate the resourcefulness and adaptability of the training program in the face of significant challenges.
Specialized Gunner Training
The B-29’s sophisticated Central Fire Control (CFC) system demanded a higher level of skill and coordination from gunners compared to traditional bomber turrets. Recognizing the system’s complexity, the USAAF Training Command selected only the best aerial gunnery school graduates for the advanced B-29 gunnery program. This selective process aimed to ensure that only the most capable and adaptable gunners were entrusted with operating the B-29’s defensive systems.
Gunner training involved:
- Learning the intricacies of the CFC system: This included understanding the analog computers, computerized gunsights, and the coordination required to operate multiple turrets effectively.
- Target practice using a variety of methods: Gunners honed their skills by firing at radio-controlled drones and long canvas panels towed behind aircraft, with some tow planes piloted by Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP).
The emphasis on specialized gunner training highlights the crucial role of the CFC system in the B-29’s defensive strategy, aiming to create a formidable “self-defending bomber.”
Evolving Training Programs
The B-29 crew training program was not static but rather evolved over time to address emerging challenges and incorporate lessons learned in combat:
- Increasing Course Duration: The initial B-29 gunnery course was 16 weeks long but was extended to 18 weeks in mid-1944 and then to 20 weeks less than a year later. This gradual increase in training duration reflects the growing complexity of the B-29’s systems and the recognition that crews needed more time to master them.
- Establishment of Specialized Schools: To further streamline training, specialized schools were established, including the Power-Operated Gun Turret School at Lowry Army Air Field in Denver, Colorado. This focus on specialized training allowed for more concentrated instruction on specific aspects of the B-29, enhancing crew proficiency.
- Incorporation of First Aid Training: Recognizing that B-29 missions often involved long flights over hostile territory, the USAAF incorporated first aid training into the 58th Bomb Wing’s Aero Medical Training Program in 1943. This training equipped two enlisted men in each crew with the skills to handle hemorrhages, administer morphine, and provide blood plasma, crucial for treating injuries sustained during combat.
These developments underscore the continuous efforts to improve and refine the B-29 crew training program, making it more comprehensive and relevant to the challenges faced in combat.
Training Under Pressure
The B-29 program faced immense pressure to become operational as quickly as possible. The strategic importance of the B-29 in the Pacific Theater meant that crews were often rushed through training and deployed with minimal experience on the aircraft. This urgency sometimes compromised the depth of training, leading to a higher washout rate for gunners due to the difficulty of mastering the CFC system under a compressed schedule.
Ongoing Training and Adaptation
The training process for B-29 crews didn’t end with their initial deployment. As combat experience was gained, new tactics and techniques were developed and incorporated into training programs.
- Lead Crew Training: General Curtis LeMay, known for his rigorous training standards, established lead crew training programs, similar to those he had implemented in the European Theater. These programs identified and trained highly skilled crews to lead bomber formations, improving coordination and bombing accuracy.
- Remedial Training: LeMay also emphasized ongoing training and evaluation, recognizing that even experienced crews could benefit from refresher courses and updates on new tactics and technologies. He implemented remedial training programs to address issues identified during missions, focusing on areas like formation flying, navigation, and bombing accuracy.