The B-29 Superfortress, had it been deployed over Germany in 1943 instead of the Pacific later in World War II, might have suffered higher loss rates than the B-17 Flying Fortress and B-24 Liberator for several reasons:
1. Higher Value Target
The B-29 was a much more advanced aircraft than the B-17 and B-24, with cutting-edge technologies like pressurized cabins, remote-controlled gun turrets, and longer range. These features made it a prized target for German forces, who would likely have concentrated their anti-aircraft defenses and fighter attacks against it to neutralize the technological threat.
2. Technical Vulnerabilities
The B-29’s early models were plagued with significant technical problems, especially with their Wright R-3350 engines. These engines were prone to overheating and fires, particularly during long, high-stress missions. Over Germany in 1943, where aircraft were already subject to extreme mechanical strain and enemy fire, this issue could have compounded losses.
3. Heavier Defenses in 1943 Europe
By 1943, German airspace was among the most heavily defended in the world, with dense concentrations of Flak (anti-aircraft artillery) and the Luftwaffe’s experienced fighter squadrons. Even the robust B-17s and B-24s, which had large defensive gun arrays, suffered heavy losses. While the B-29’s remote-controlled guns were advanced, they would not have been sufficient to fully offset the overwhelming numbers and skill of German interceptors in this era.
4. Limited Escort Fighter Support
In 1943, the U.S. Army Air Forces lacked long-range escort fighters capable of protecting bombers deep into Germany. The P-51 Mustang, which played a pivotal role in reducing bomber losses later in the war, was not yet widely available in its long-range role. B-29 formations would have been similarly vulnerable to extended Luftwaffe attacks without continuous fighter cover.
5. Crew Inexperience and Tactics
The B-29 was not introduced until later in the war, and its crews benefited from the lessons learned in earlier bomber campaigns. If it had been deployed in 1943, crews might have been inexperienced with the complex systems and tactics required to operate the aircraft effectively in a high-threat environment, leading to higher losses.
6. Operational Readiness and Scale
The B-29 required extensive logistical support, advanced maintenance, and large bases, which would have been difficult to establish in Europe in 1943. This logistical strain could have reduced the effectiveness of missions and increased vulnerability to operational losses.
In conclusion, while the B-29 was a technological marvel, deploying it over Germany in 1943 would have presented numerous challenges, from its technical limitations to the ferocity of German defenses. Its losses could very well have exceeded those of the B-17 and B-24, despite its advanced capabilities.
