S8 Ep142: The B-29 Superfortress and the Battle of Omaha — Arthur Herman — Herman recounts the genesis of the B-29 Superfortress bomber, conceived after General Hap Arnold consulted with Charles Lindb

The B-29 Superfortress and the Battle of Omaha — Arthur Herman — Herman recounts the genesis of the B-29 Superfortress bomber, conceived after General Hap Arnold consulted with Charles Lindbergh in 1939. The B-29represented the ultimate expression of air supremacy doctrine, demanding revolutionary technologies including pressurized crew cabins and remote-controlled gun turrets that did not yet exist. Bill Knudsen directed the program, overcoming severe delays and persistent technical deficiencies. Knudsen won the "Battle of Omaha" by insisting that aircraft be extensively modified after assembly to achieve operational flight status, thereby integrating a massive female industrial workforce into B-29 production processes. 1945 LOS ALAMOS. THE GADGET