Korean War: B-29 losses

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josin
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Korean War: B-29 losses

#1

Post by josin » 27 Apr 2003, 05:08

i am looking for info on B-29 losses during Korea. -- how many in all, & causes (enemy flak, fighters, accidents, friendly fire, etc).

also, is there a forum (as good as TRF) on just Korea ?

- josin

Zygmunt
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#2

Post by Zygmunt » 28 Apr 2003, 14:21

I seem to recall that awhile back, David C. Clarke (Commissar D) was looking for a forum on Vietnam, and didn't find one. Hence, I'd guess that the odds of one existing for Korea are pretty slim.

As for B-29 losses, I can't help directly, but I remember that when I was trying to find info on USAAF raids on Central Europe in 1945, Google turned up a number of Regimental history-type websites, with some useful information on them.

Zygmunt


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David C. Clarke
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#3

Post by David C. Clarke » 28 Apr 2003, 16:21

Hi Guys, it's true, I looked as long and hard as I could for forums on Korea and Vietnam that were even remotely as good as TRF and didn't find anything. The one Forum I found on Vietnam were dominated by veterans of the war who really didn't take well to outsiders. But I never found a forum strictly on Korea.
As to the B-29 question, I don't have a solid figure, but B-29 losse were high. Their armament was insufficient to combat a jet and the MIG-15 was designed as a high altitude bomber interceptor.

Best Regards,
D

Yngwie J.
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#4

Post by Yngwie J. » 12 May 2003, 17:03

Hi!

A total of 34 B-29´s were lost in Korea.
16 to enemy aircraft, 4 to anti-aircraft fire and 14 to various operational causes.

On the other hand their gunners shot down 33 enemy fighters ( which of 16 were MiG-15´s ), and were credited with 17 probables ( all MiG´s ) and 11 damaged ( all MiG´s ).

So I guess the B-29 wasn´t doing so bad after all!

Best regards,
Yngwie J.

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David C. Clarke
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#5

Post by David C. Clarke » 12 May 2003, 17:16

I'd take B-29 claims against the MIG-15 with a grain of salt. Fact is that the USAF was forced to suspend B-29 Flights into "Mig Alley", that portion of Korea close to China where MIGs patrolled because of high B-29 losses.

Cheers, David

Yngwie J.
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#6

Post by Yngwie J. » 12 May 2003, 18:59

There will allways be some inaccuracy when it comes to claims, but even if you cut the numbers a bit it´s still a good record. In my opinion the numbers are as good as you can get them.

It is true that operations in some areas were restricted, but this was caused more by fear of than actual losses.
My point was, and still is, that taken in account the number of sorties the B-29 flew in Korea, their losses were far from heavy.

BTW, talking about kills and losses :
In June 1939, 18 Japanese fighters met nearly 100 Soviet fighters over Manchuria. After the shoot-out the Japanese pilots claimed 47 victories for the loss of 5, and the Soviets claimed 31 victories for the loss of 11.

Figure out that one!

Best regards,
Yngwie J.

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