Boeing B-29 Superforts Go to War DVD Exclusive video restoration-- see the difference
* Boeing B-29 "Superfortress" Flight Procedures and Combat Crew Functioning(1944,
B&W,36:17) This is a thorough pilot's view introduction to the
premier bomber of World War II. Faster than a Zero, the peak of piston
engine technology, with remote controlled gun turrets and a pressurized
cabin, the Superfortress was the prime instrument in the Air Corp's
very long range attack on the Japanese home islands. Stalin was so
impressed with this plane that he ordered the Tupolev bureau to copy
interned B-29s exactly. Over 1,000 of these "Tu4" clones formed the core of the Soviet Air Force during the early years of the cold war.
* The Last Bomb (1945, color,
37:00) "The Last Bomb" vividly documents one of the almost forgotten
chapters of World War II: the extreme long range B-29 bombing raids on
Japan. Launched from hard won Pacific islands, these missions were over
3,000 miles round trip and could take 12 hours or more to complete.
You'll also see the huge B-29 bases that were carved out on Guam,
Tinian and Saipan. This rare late war color film, shot by combat camera
men, documents all aspects of a XXI Bomber Command long distance
daylight strike carried out at just 12,000' (!) on Tokyo in 1945. The
mission is covered from initial planning stage by General Curtis LeMay
and his staff, through fighter action and "bombs away" over target, to
final touch down. As an added bonus, there's plenty of spectacular gun
camera footage taken by escorting P-51 Mustangs ranging over southern
Japan seeking targets of opportunity in the air and on the deck. These
Mustang sorties were some of the longest and riskiest missions
undertaken by any fighters during World War II. Just imagine -- flying
thousands of miles over trackless ocean in a single en gin ship to take
on the enemy over their own territory!
* Saipan Superforts Color Exclusive production Newly discovered color footage of Saipan's 73rd Bomb Wing. Pulse pounding B-29 action plus memorable pin up nose art.
* Air War Against Japan: XXI Bomber Command A concise history of XXI Bomber Bomber Command's strategic B-29 campaign
against the Japanese home islands. Both day and
night B-29 actions.
* B-29s Over Dixie (1944,
B&W 20:00) A fascinating look inside the huge B-29 production
facility built from scratch in Marrietta, Georgia. Includes detailed
views of revolutionary new production techniques, assembly line work,
and the training and care of thousands of new workers. The Georgia
operation was much more than a manufacturing plant, it involved the
creation of a complex community in an amazingly short time. This film
is a tribute to the massive American war effort that was an essential
element in the victory of the Allies.
*Target Invisible (1945,
B&W 8:00) Remarkable documentary on how air bourne radar was used
for navigation and bombing on B-29 night strikes against Japan. Rare
footage of radar in action on an actual Super Fortress mission. This
story was so highly classified, it couldn't be told to the American people until after Japan surrendered.
*92 page Boeing B-29 Superfortress pilot's manual in .pdf file format with photos, detailed systems diagrams, charts, procedures & more. You can't really grasp the awe inspiring complexity of the B-29 Superfortress until you've read this pilot's handbook
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