Ditching Procedure, B-29s with Four-Gun Turret — Reading Notes

HEADQUARTERS, PYOTE ARMY AIR FIELD

Office of the Director of Training

SUBJECT: Ditching Procedure, B-29's with Four-Gun Turret

TO: All Holders of 2AF manuals 50-26, 50-27, 50-37, 50-43, 50-56 and 100-7 Sec. IV

1. In accordance with 2AF Ltr. 50-36, 2 June 1945, the inclosed procedures are effective immediately and will be inserted in all copies of the above-listed manuals now in use or to be issued for use.

By order of Lt. Col. ZUMWALT:

HENRY E. BERGSCHNEIDER,

(2AF Manuals 50-26, 50-27, 50-56, 50-37, 50-43, 100-7 Sec. IV. Rev 2 June 1945.)

1. The first series of ditching positions for the B-29 were suggested by the "BOEING AIRCRAFT COMPANY", manufacturers of the aircraft. These positions were on trial, but were as logical as could be devised without actual ditching experience. The Boeing procedure and its various modifications have all been steps in the right direction. Changes have been based on actual ditching experience and procedures set forth here are results of all ditching experiences to date. They are not to be considered permanent. As new ditching characteristics of the B-29 are learned, they will be incorporated to assure the safest procedures possible.

2. The importance of these approved methods cannot be stressed too highly. Modifications in these procedures may NOT be made at the discretion of the airplane commander.

3. Experience to date proves that ditching characteristics of the B-29 are superior to those of any other aircraft now used by the Army Air Forces. The greatest factor in ditching is the airplane's buoyancy qualities. The B-29 has demonstrated, even during mediocre ditchings, that it will stay afloat for long periods and does not sink easily. On a moderately successful ditching, the aircraft is apt to stay afloat for at least ten (10) minutes and may float for several hours.

4. Ditching impacts are severe. Every precaution must be taken to pad against impact in the ditching position. Parachute, cushions, clothing, etc., will be used for this purpose. During impact the individual's head must be well protected. The flak helmet will be worn only when the head can be braced against something substantial. In all positions, the legs should be flexed to absorb the effects of a sudden jar.

5. When injured crew members are aboard they will be put in the proper positions and/or supported between the legs of other crew position. This may be difficult, but it has proven successful on numerous occasions.

6. Ditching position practice, as a part of completed ditching drill, is a "MUST" for all combat crews. Every step in ditching procedure must be practiced and learned thoroughly by the entire crew as a unit, in order to eliminate confusion. Practice it against time until the entire process becomes second nature.

Paragraphs 7 through 91 are Ditching Procedure instructions for the various B-29 crew positions. These are reproduced separately for insertion in the applicable S.O.P.'s for these positions.

92. If time permits, take one or more parachutes from the ditched aircraft. The silk can be used to catch rain water and the shrouds have no end of use. The web belt, which supports the canteen, should be buckled on after removal of flak vests.

93. Prior to ditching all escape hatches will be jettisoned or opened to prevent jamming in the event that the fuselage accordions.

94. An important phase of crew cooperation is the estimation of time remaining aloft and the position where the ditching will take place. The most efficient Air-Sea Rescue Agency is only as efficient as the cooperation it receives from crews in distress. The rescue agency must get notification of the ditching and the position. Crews must practice transmitting procedure until it becomes S.O.P. The engineer, with the information available, will make an estimate as to the time remaining aloft. This information will to passed to the navigator, who, on the basis of the information supplied, will estimate the position of ditching. The position will be given to the radio operator who will transmit the information to personnel who can effect a rescue.

95. This system of cooperation will not always be applicable, but it is a framework for crew cooperation.

96. Combat crews are subject to last-minute changes in aircraft. Therefore, it is essential to standardize the location of emergency equipment within the aircraft. Individual responsibility for the removal of this equipment must also be fixed.

97. The locations of the emergency equipment are based on their accessibility for the crews when in ditching position.

98. The later B-29 aircraft are equipped with the new modified E-2 raft. This raft has its accessory kit lashed to the raft itself. The older type utilizes the A-3 raft which stows the accessory kit in the airplane proper.