New (old) Bell B-29B's ...

[Mark Allen M]

Bell Atlanta (BA) produced a series of 311 B-29B's that had turrets and sighting equipment omitted.

The B-29B was a modification used for low-level raids, designed with the intent of firebombing Japan. Since fighter opposition was minimal over Japan in late 1944, many of the Army Air Force leadership — most notably Curtis LeMay, commander of the XXI Bomber Command — felt that a (lighter) faster bomber would better evade Japanese flak.

In the B-29B, as with the atomic raid-dedicated Silverplate versions earlier, all defensive armament was removed except for that in the tail turret. Initially the armament was two .50 in AN/M2 machine guns and one 20 mm M2 cannon which was soon changed to three .50 in AN/M2s. The weight saved by removing the guns increased the top speed from 357 mph to 364 mph (575 km/h to 586 km/h).

Also incorporated on this version was an improved APQ-7 "Eagle" bombing-through-overcast radar that was fitted in an airfoil-shaped radome under the fuselage.

All 311 B-29B's were built at the Bell plant in Marietta, Georgia ("Bell-Atlanta").

[Kyleb]

Great pictures. A detailed look at the pictures might find several of my relatives there.

Both of my Grandfathers worked there when it was the Bell Bomber plant, as did a great-aunt. I think one grandfather worked flightline, the other worked on the production floor, and my Aunt was a "messenger girl" who roller skated through the plant delivering messages. I'm guessing roller skating messengers met their demise when OSHA came along...

[JohnB]

I wonder if the plant has changed much over the years?
Does Lockheed do anything there other than the C-130?

[Kyleb]

I wonder if the plant has changed much over the years?
Does Lockheed do anything there other than the C-130?

The plant hasn't changed a lot. I haven't been in there since the F-22 prototype days, but it is mostly a C-130 operation now.

We live inside the pattern for the field, and other than the FAA's Citations which come and go daily, the only aircraft I see coming out of there routinely are new C-130's and the C-130 squadron that is based there.

[Mark Allen M]

Here's the source of the photos. Many more to see if you can find your grandparents.

https://soar.kennesaw.edu/handle/11360/3

[4RG.I.'S]

Another fantastic set of photo's Mark, thank you!
Interesting that the description states all defensive armament is removed though a couple of photos show a front upper turret with guns.
Curious what the very large (tall?) Plexiglas dome is for in one of the photos. It appears to be 3" or more tall with an attachment flange at the bottom.

[tom roberts]

One of the things I find interesting looking at these pictures is that everyone appears fit not a obese person to be found. Great photos per usual . Thanks

[Pat Carry]

Thanks Mark. Great pics!