42-24589 “Calamity Jane” converted to F-13 from 25th BS, 40th Bomb Group after emergency landing at Chengkung Fighter Base
The B-29 Superfortress, initially designed as a strategic bomber, played a significant role in long-range photographic reconnaissance missions during and after World War II. One such variant was the F-13, developed to meet the increasing need for detailed aerial photography over enemy territories, particularly across the vast Pacific Theater.
Conversion to F-13 Reconnaissance Aircraft:
- B-29-BW, 42-6412: This B-29 was one of the first to be modified for reconnaissance work. It retained its standard bombing and defensive capabilities but was equipped with special cameras, earning the new designation F-13.
- Modifications: A total of 117 B-29s (both B-29-BWs and B-29As) were converted into reconnaissance models (F-13 and F-13A). These aircraft carried multiple cameras, including three K-17B, two K-22, and one K-18 systems, enabling them to conduct detailed photo mapping. The cameras were housed in the rear fuselage, with structural modifications made to accommodate them.
Camera Systems:
- K-17B, K-22, and K-18 Cameras: These high-resolution cameras captured critical intelligence from high altitudes.
- The B-3 ‘Driftmeter’ sighting device was also installed for more precise navigation during photo missions.
- Additional camera equipment could be added to the forward bomb bay or replaced with photo flash bombs for night reconnaissance.
Operational Use:
- The F-13 and F-13A aircraft were first deployed to Saipan in October 1944. They were crucial in gathering intelligence about enemy positions, especially around the Japanese capital, Tokyo.
- The photo-navigator, a specialized crew member, controlled the reconnaissance equipment from the nose of the aircraft, while a dedicated cameraman operated the cameras.
Performance Enhancements:
- To accommodate the extended range required for reconnaissance missions, the aircraft was fitted with additional fuel tanks in the rear bomb bay, increasing its endurance.
- The defensive armament of the B-29 was retained initially, but post-war variants had most of the machine guns removed, except for the tail turret, to save weight and improve high-altitude performance.
Post-War and Redesignation:
- After the war, the F-13s were redesignated as RB-29 and RB-29A in 1948, following the creation of the United States Air Force.
- The last reconnaissance variants, RB-29Js, were fitted with improved Wright R-3350-CA-2 fuel-injected engines under the developmental designation YB-29J.
- During the Korean War, RB-29s played a crucial role in gathering intelligence for the United Nations forces, operating from Yokota Air Base in Japan.
The RB-29’s long-range reconnaissance capabilities provided critical intelligence throughout World War II and into the Korean War, proving the versatility of the B-29 platform even after its primary role as a bomber had evolved.