B-36 and B-29 Questions

[Lucien Harpress]

First, a relatively simple question I can't seem to find the answer to- did the B-36 come with a hatch that opened directly into the rear compartment from the outside? I've seen drawings and diagrams that show where one would go, but I've never seen photos of it "in the flesh". If so, where would it be located? Thanks.

Second question, I was perusing the internet and found a few photos of what appears to be an all-black B-29. Does anyone have any further information on this particular bird?

http://www.chinalakealumni.org/1968B.htm

(It's the first two photos from this website. I was going to direct link them, then decided against it.)

Edited April 11, 2010 by Lucien Harpress

[aki]

First, a relatively simple question I can't seem to find the answer to- did the B-36 come with a hatch that opened directly into the rear compartment from the outside? I've seen drawings and diagrams that show where one would go, but I've never seen photos of it "in the flesh". If so, where would it be located? Thanks.

Regarding the B-36, it can be seen in the following figure (#9) as you know.

http://www.zianet.com/tmorris/B-36FIIIaft.gif

and you can find the one in this photo.

http://data3.primeportal.net/hangar/howard...er_42_of_46.jpg

[Slartibartfast]

Maybe an early ELINT aircraft used in Korea?

[Mark S.]

Gents:

The 581st and 582nd Aerial Resupply Wings flew predominately black B-29's during the 50's. They were the AF Special Ops of the period. I have one on Wolfpak sheet 72-022. Typically only the fuselage and wing tops were left bare metal.

Mark S.

[aircommando130]

I know the Radio Operator on the Air Resupply B-29 shot down over North Korea in January 1953. Was transfered to the Red Chinese and held as a political prisoner along with the rest of the crew till August 1955. His name is Steve Kiba...wrote the book "The Flag" about the mission and time in captivity. His son Jeff was a MC-130H Combat Talon II loadmaster.