The B-29 Superfortress Chronology, 1934-1960 [Paperback]

Robert A. Mann (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 13, 2009 | ISBN-10: 0786442743 | ISBN-13: 978-0786442744

The Boeing B-29 Superfortress lived an operational life of only 26 years, but what a life it was. Two of the most famous B-29s, the Enola Gay and Bockscar, were responsible for dropping the atomic bombs at Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Beginning with an introduction that provides basic information on the physical plane itself, including dimensions, specs, leading particulars and operational usages, this book provides a chronology of the B-29 from the first feasibility studies and earliest designs in 1934 to the retirement of the last operational B-29 by the Air Force in 1960. The book also includes a glossary and three appendices which provide a discussion of the general anatomy of a mission, a sample of operational voice or radio codes used in 1945, and an exhaustive (and entertaining) reference guide to aircraft names like the Ape Ship, Bait Me?, and Flying Lemon.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Robert A. Mann is a former member of the United States Air Force, and enjoyed a long career in the aerospace industry. He lives in Cookeville, Tennessee.

Product Details

• Paperback: 319 pages
• Publisher: McFarland (May 13, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786442743
• ISBN-13: 978-0786442744
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 6.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,076,011 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Strictly chronology, January 27, 2010

By 

aitapata (Florida) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The B-29 Superfortress Chronology, 1934-1960 (Paperback)

I'm a reference librarian who purchased this for my adult non-fiction collections (specifically for my WWII vets who want more airplane books). While I can't afford the latest Jane's, I saw this and thought it would be a nice compromise. However! The book arrived today and I'm a bit dissappointed -- this is strictly a chronology. No pictures. No illustrations. Only about 3 pages of specs. Just dates. It's not showing changes in the aircraft from one year to the next, it's just giving dates. Useful for the hardcore airplane enthusiasts and military buffs, not for the general layman.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An essential B-29 Superfortress reference tool, July 23, 2011

By 

Robert F. Dorr - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The B-29 Superfortress Chronology, 1934-1960 (Paperback)

"The B-29 Superfortress Chronology 1934-1960" is exactly what its title suggests. This volume is a chronological summary of the design, development, operational and combat use of the B-29 bomber. It is not a narrative history of men and machines like, for example "Mission to Berlin" Mission to Berlin: The American Airmen Who Struck the Heart of Hitler's Reich. Rather, it is a collection of data, the very kind of data that military and aviation researchers find difficult to track down. I discovered it to be comprehensive, well organized, easy to use, and valuable to have. It is obvious that the author devoted many years of effort into assembling so much material between two covers.

3.0 out of 5 stars Should have read the other reviews first, August 16, 2011

By 

VH-MDX - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The B-29 Superfortress Chronology, 1934-1960 (Kindle Edition)

I should have read the other reviews first as this book was not what I was looking for. This book is terrific if you want a Chronology of events pertaining to the B-29. Useless if you are looking for historical narrative.