The Boeing B-29 Superfortress is a four-engine heavy bomber that was designed and manufactured by Boeing for the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. The B-29 was the most advanced bomber of its time, boasting improved range and payload capacity compared to other bombers of the era. Developed in response to a need for a long-range strategic bomber capable of carrying out bombing missions in hostile territory, the B-29 was designed as a pressurized aircraft with a tricycle landing gear.

The B-29 was first ordered in 1940, with the first prototype produced in 1942. The demand for the B-29 was high, and it soon became one of the most common aircraft in the US Army Air Forces. Over 3,900 B-29s were produced between 1942 and 1945, with more than 2,000 of them seeing action during the war. The B-29 was used to carry out a number of strategic bombing missions against Japanese cities, as well as for limited reconnaissance and anti-submarine patrols.

The B-29 proved to be an effective bomber, but it was also plagued by a number of safety issues. The aircraft was difficult to fly due to its high altitude and long-range capabilities, and a number of aircraft were lost due to pilot error. In addition, the B-29 was prone to engine failure, as the four engines were often pushed to their limits during long-range missions. However, the most serious safety issue was the tendency of the aircraft to catch fire during in-flight refueling operations. As a result, the USAAF implemented a number of safety measures to reduce the risk of fire.

Despite the safety issues, the B-29 proved to be an invaluable tool during World War II, and it remains one of the most iconic aircraft of the era. The B-29 was the first aircraft to drop an atomic bomb, and it was also used to carry out a number of other important missions during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Today, the B-29 is still in service with a number of air forces around the world, and it is a popular attraction at air shows and museums.