Warbird Information Exchange

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!

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.

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

_________________
"If I had to fight the same war over again, I'd sure want to fight it from the cockpit of a Corsair."
-Archie Donahue

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

_________________
Chris Henry
EAA Aviation Museum Director

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

_________________
"Everyone wants to live here (New Jersey), evidenced by the fact that it has the highest population per capita in the U.S..."

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.

_________________
Chris Henry
EAA Aviation Museum Director

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

I hate diver safe wrecks.

_________________
Curtis Block

I've seen too many airplanes destroyed by the term "Static Restoration."

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 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.

_________________
tom d. friedman - hey!!! those fokkers were messerschmitts!! * without ammunition, the usaf would be just another flying club!!! * better to have piece of mind than piece of tail!!

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.