Warbird Information Exchange

The B-50 was externally quite similar to the B-29, but a momentary glance was sufficient to tell the difference between the two aircraft. The traditional 24 ST aluminum structure of the B-29 was replaced by the newer 75 ST, which resulted in a wing that was 16 percent stronger than the wing of the B-29 and 600 pounds lighter. The 3500 hp R-4360 Wasp Major engines gave a power increase of 59 percent. The new engine installation was the primary external feature distinguishing the B-50 from the B-29, with the oil cooler being pulled further back on the lower part of the nacelle. Increased weight resulted in a requirement for larger flaps and a higher vertical tail. The new higher tail was first tested on B-29-35-BW serial number 42-24528, which had been assigned to Seattle Experimental Flight Test. The tall vertical tail could be folded down to permit storage in standard USAF hangars. Other features included hydraulic rudder boost and nose wheel steering, faster acting undercarriage retracting mechanism, and electrical de-icing of the pilots' window through the use of conductive NESA glass. The wings and empennage were de-iced thermally by having the exhaust from three combustion heaters flow through hollow double-wall structures in the leading edges of the aerodynamic surfaces. The propellers had a reversible pitch, which allowed the use of engine power as an aid to braking on short or wet runways. There was also some rearrangement of the crew. Despite the overall similarity of the two aircraft, only about 25 percent of the B-50 parts were interchangeable with B-29 parts.