44-61674 B-29 Sundown Project

Sat Dec 29, 2007 9:47 pm

Looking for information on a B-29 44-61674.

Looks like it was a part of the 794 Sq. 468th BG in the 20th AF.

Does anyone know what the Sundown Project was? I am looking all over for it.

I am assuming that it was the return trip of all the B-29's during the later part of the war?

Thanks!

Sun Dec 30, 2007 9:34 am

Isn't that the project that the Lake Meade B-29 was working on when it crashed? IIRC, the Sundown Project was a post-war effort that had to do with research on the development of a heat-seeking missle. One of the turrets on the B-29 was replaced with equipment that was used to follow the sun as the B-29 went through various maneuvers.

Sun Dec 30, 2007 10:35 am

Isn't that the project that the Lake Meade B-29 was working on when it crashed?

That was called the suntracker project. History Channel did a documentary about it several years ago.
http://store.aetv.com/html/product/index.jhtml?id=73173

Sun Dec 30, 2007 10:56 am

The thing looks really well preserved. In parts you can see the bare metal in good shape still!

Sun Dec 30, 2007 2:29 pm

Don't get me started on that B-29 "preserved" as a diving attraction in Lake Meade. Makes me sick...

http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/maritime/ex ... s/b29.html

Sun Dec 30, 2007 2:58 pm

Oh no, I didn't mean that it should stay there preserved, just that it is in good shape considering. I think it should be raised and made a flyer if possible. If not then static.

Sun Dec 30, 2007 3:07 pm

At least someone hasn't been sent down to "make it diver safe."

I hate diver safe wrecks.

Sun Dec 30, 2007 7:25 pm

i never liked the protected underwater site deal either. what percentage of us on wix are scuba rated ?? 8 to 10% ?? i never understood how the minority can have more say than the ones that want to preserve it all for the benefit of all, that being the majority. i'm not in the market for a submarine right now :wink:

nor are scuba classes, vacations, or scuba gear, & i'd bet that most yanks on this board are as strapped as i am!! i'd love to see that b-29 !! in the fairest manner..... on land.

Mon Dec 31, 2007 1:12 am

Paul,

I think the Sundown Project was the return of B-29s and crews after the cessation of hostilities. I've seen it referred to as the Sunset Project also, but Sundown seems to be the correct name. To see a list of 468th BG Sundown Project airplanes, including the one in question, go here:http://www.20thaf.org/groups/ac%20data/468th_AC.htm

Scott

Mon Dec 31, 2007 9:47 am

Second Air Force wrote:Paul,

I think the Sundown Project was the return of B-29s and crews after the cessation of hostilities. I've seen it referred to as the Sunset Project also, but Sundown seems to be the correct name. To see a list of 468th BG Sundown Project airplanes, including the one in question, go here:http://www.20thaf.org/groups/ac%20data/468th_AC.htm

Scott

Yup, thanks! That is where I got my initial piece of information as well!

Best Wishes.