3rd prototype 41-18335 over over Mt. Ranier in western Washington State
The third prototype of the B-29 Superfortress, designated 41-18335 and nicknamed “Gremlin Hotel”, made its first flight in June 1943. This aircraft incorporated significant revisions to its powerplant and equipment based on the lessons learned from the first two prototypes. After initial testing, the aircraft was flown from Seattle to Wichita to help establish the production line for the B-29.
Following its work in Wichita, the bomber was delivered to the US Army Air Forces (USAAF) for further testing, focusing on armament and accelerated flight performance. While this prototype ultimately crashed, its testing was crucial in validating the basic design and operational potential of the B-29 Superfortress, one of the most important strategic bombers of World War II.