Anyone know the story of this B-29?

[gwmunn]

Very impressive. Maybe 37mm? Thanks!

 

[Snautzer01]

Very impressive. Maybe 37mm? Thanks!
View attachment 724956

Project S68

 

[Sabrejet]

It was a weapons test airframe for the XB-54 programme IIRC. S/n 42-24441.

 

[Snautzer01]

B-29-25-BW (program S68)

 

[gwmunn]

Mods, thanks for the move.

 

[EwenS]

Not sure about the XB-54 test bit.

The aircraft is 42-24441 modified under Projetc S68 and had those two Emerson Model 136 jowl barbettes each with a 0.5" MG. But it also had the GE remote controlled turrets replaced with manned Martin turrets in the upper positions and manned Sperry A-2 ball turret in the lower forward position and a similar modified A-13 ball turret in the lower aft position. The waist blisters were replaced with manned flexible 0.5" MG. The above photo is one of a series from the Boeing archives dated to Aug - Oct 1944. See Detail & Scale Vol 10 B-29 Superfortress Part 1.

 

[GTX]

Another view:

 

[daviemax]

This aircraft is featured in Boeing Aircraft Since 1916 by esteemed aviation historian (and Boeing employee) Peter M. Bowers. According to his narrative, this B-29 was completed with manned turrets against the potential failure of the GE fire control system.

 

[ClayO]

 

[SaparotRob]

View attachment 725656

Good call!

 

[Thumpalumpacus]

Another view:

View attachment 725014

It seems to have a couple of abscessed teeth.

 

[Antarctica]

Before Dolly Parton so it's a "Mae West-29".