Unfortunately much of what Sweeny wrote about the mission has been disputed by other members of the crew.According to Sweeny, the bomb was released at 9,600 meters and they were buffeted by 5 shockwaves as they were departing the target area.
9,600 meters as almost 31,500 feet and is consistent with their assigned altitude of 30,000 feet over Kokura.
Not 28,900 feet.
This is from the official history:
"Over Nagasaki they found
8/10 cloud and the run-in was ''90 per cent by radar," but at the last
second Beahan found a hole in the cloud and let go. It was then 1058
Nagasaki time.(59)"
Sweeney banked his plane sharply and pushed down from his
28,900-foot altitude. A minute later, when the explosion came..." (60).
"
P720, Volume Five THE PACIFIC: MATTERHORN TO NAGASAKI JUNE 1944 TO AUGUST 1945
Last edited: