B-29/B-50 Superfortress, Vol. 2

The evolution of the B-29 into the B-50 is covered in this book—the second of two volumes—as is the B-50's part as an early nuclear deterrent. The largest and most advanced US aircraft to see combat in WWII, the B-29 Superfortress was also the most expensive weapons system of the war, even exceeding the cost of developing the atomic bomb. Not surprisingly, the aircraft remained a part of the US arsenal in the following years and again saw combat in Korea. Not only is the production of these aircraft illustrated, so are the host of adaptations, from mother ship to X-planes to weather and refueling aircraft. This volume chronicles the design, development, and deployment of these later versions through photos gathered from around the world.