Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:36:15-1:36:40

An early B-29 extends strategic bombing without producing an instant victory

Replacing the B-17 with B-29 capability from the start of the war would extend range and payload, but its largest effect would be earlier damage to industrial infrastructure.

B-17 Flying FortressB-29 SuperfortressIndustrial InfrastructureStrategic BombingUS Army Air ForcesWorld War II
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Question

What changes if the United States has B-29-level bombers instead of B-17s from the start of the Second World War?

Short answer

Strategic bombing reaches farther and hits harder, with the main payoff coming through earlier infrastructure damage rather than an instant victory.

Notes

An early B-29 would not create an immediate automatic victory. Its greater range and payload would let the United States strike targets that were harder for B-17 formations to reach. The cumulative effect would be earlier and heavier damage to industrial infrastructure rather than a single decisive raid. That damage could alter later battles by reducing the enemy's ability to replace equipment and sustain operations.