The Boeing B-29 was designed in 1940 as an eventual replacement for the B-17 and B-24. ò The first one built made its maiden flight on September 21, 1942.ò In December 1943, it was decided not to use the B-29 in the European Theater, thereby permitting the airplane to be sent to the Pacific area where its great range was particularly suited to the long over-water flight required to attack the Japanese homeland from bases in China. ò During the last (2) months of 1944, B-29s began operating against Japan from the Islands of Saipan, Guam, and Tinian.



With the advent of the conflict in Korea in June 1950, the B-29 was once again thrust into battle.ò For the next several years, it was effectively used for attacking targets in North Korea.ò Hundreds of B-29s were preserved and stored at Robins AFB after World War II.ò Their plastic "cocoons" were removed and the aircraft returned to service during the Korean War.ò



The Museum's B-29 was built at the Bell Bomber Plant in Marietta, Georgia.ò Today, the old Bell "Bummer" plant is occupied by the Lockheed Georgia Company, manufacturer of major Warner Robins ALC-managed systems such as the C-141 and C-130 cargo aircraft.



The "Superfortress" was recovered from the Army Proving Grounds in Aberdeen, Maryland, in 1983.ò Its specific mission and unit history remain a mystery prior to 1956 when it was delivered to the Army and all records lost.