The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941 exposed to the world the woeful obsolescence of the Army Air Corps arsenal. It was clearly evident that the aircraft the U.S. had in service on that "day of infamy" would not be sufficient to carry out the global war necessary to defeat the Axis powers. Even as the aircraft industry re-engineered current bomber designs and reorganized itself for mass production, its engineers immediately set upon the task of designing all new aircraft. more...

• Track the Design Evolution Timeline of the B-29 Superfortress
• Compare and Contrast the Design Evolution of the B-29 with that of the B-17 and B-24.
• Discuss the major design and performance upgrades of the B-29
• Discuss the perceived (and actual) shortfalls of the aircraft.
• Describe the Superfort's legacy in the context of the Air War and aviation history.

Boeing B-29 Movies
B-29 Manual Pages
B-29 Flight Procedures
"FIFI" Flyover

Be sure to participate in any of the discussions currently underway, including any student-led seminars, Unit 5 Topic Specific discussions, or general course comments and questions.

Unit 5 Discussion starter: The Superfortress was the pinnacle of achievement in WWII Bomber design and technology. Because of its relatively late entrance into the war, however, the full capabilities of the B-29 was never truly tested. If Superfotress' were available to the Army Air Corps in the Summer of 1943, would the outcome of those dark months been any different? How?

Complete the Learning Task #2 product as specified in your learning contract. Continue work on Learning Task #3 (final project).

Deliver your Learning Task #2 product by the date specified in your learning contract.

Post a brief learning task update to the Unit 5 Task forum to let the class know the status of your work, and when we can expect to see product.

As always, post any course questions or concerns to the Anonymous "Suggestion Box" Discussion Board.

To complete Unit 5

• Examine the Unit Objectives
• Read the Instructor's Narrative
• Research supporting Publications
• Explore the provided Links and Multimedia
• Participate in any active Course Discussions
• Complete Learning Task #2 as specified in your learning contract.
• Deliver Learning Task #2 by the date specified in your learning contract.

Remember: Unit 6 runs from Week Ten through Week Twelve, check the Course Timeline for details. Stay on Target!