Author Richard Campbell has written an extremely well researched and extensive work on the B29 Superfortress Silverplate version; those aircraft that were modified to carry the Atomic bombs. The book covers the complete history of those B29's that were modified for this task and lists every aircraft that underwent modifications and its eventual 'fate' when the aircraft were eventually retired from service.
The book examines how, along with the design and development of the atomic weapons, the US military was confronted with how the weapon would be delivered to the designated target(s). As the bombs were developed their size and shape kept evolving, which presented the problem of what aircraft could deliver the weapon. Once the choice of aircraft was made, the constantly changing shape of the bombs presented challenges in changing the aircraft's bomb carrying capability to accommodate the weapon.
The early chapters detail this evolution in design change, the decision to remove armament and armour to allow height and speed and changes to the aircraft in terms of improved engines, reversible propellors and constant upgrades to the bomb bays and mechanisms inside to carry and drop the bomb(s).
The book then examines both wartime missions where the two types of bombs were dropped and the post-war trials at Bikini atoll.
A chapter is devoted to each aircraft of the 'Silverplate' design and its postwar derivative 'Saddletree'. All these aircraft were eventually retired and their ultimate fate was the scrapyard. Only three aircraft remain, the two most famous-'Enola Gay' and 'Bockscar' and 'The Great Artiste'-the only aircraft to have flown both wartime atomic missions; however the original 'Great Artiste' was damaged in a postwar landing accident and scrapped, this third aircraft is actually another Silverplate aircraft.
In summary a very well researched and written book, I enjoyed this book immensely and was captivated by its wealth of detail and photographs. The information presented is very extensive down to how each type of bomb was loaded into the aircraft and the assembling of the two wartime bombs in a hut on Tinian Island. Well done, Richard Campbell!
Enjoy fast, FREE delivery, exclusive deals and award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime
Try Prime
and start saving today with Fast, FREE Delivery
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required. Learn more
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Flip to back Flip to front
Follow the Author
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
Customers who viewed this item also viewed
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Top reviews from other countries
Eric OD Green
Les bombardiers B-29 Silverplate : des machines extraordinaires
Reviewed in France 🇫🇷 on August 29, 2021
