After 10 years of research, the book has finally been published! “Superfortress Graveyard – The B-29s of China Lake,” is the complete history of the World War II (WWII) U.S. Army Air Forces B-29 “Superfortress” bomber aircraft that were used as ground targets at the Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, California, following WWII.
This book covers the entire WWII B-29 production history, contract data, and the serial number list for each B-29 produced at all four factories: Wichita, Kansas; Renton, Washington; Omaha, Nebraska; and Atlanta, Georgia. This book also contains the extremely detailed history of each of the B-29s disposed of at China Lake, from the day it was accepted by the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF), to its WWII and Korean Conflict service history, and finally its fate as a target for weapons testing or preservation in a modern museum.
Three of the B-29s that were used in the Atomic Bomb drop in Hiroshima, Japan, on August 6, 1945, as well as Nagasaki, Japan, on August 9, 1945, met their fate as range targets at China Lake. The only two flying B-29s in the world today – “Fifi” and “Doc” – were preserved and continue to fly today due to their use as weapons targets in China Lake. This book is photo-heavy with many never-before-published, candid, and mostly full-color photos of the aircraft in use as weapons targets! This book is perfect for the WWII enthusiast or aviation historian.
The book is available for purchase on Amazon just in time for the holiday season.
Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
What a wonderful project to undertake. Even knowing that it’s filled with photographs, I’d like to contact Christopher to discuss the possibility of creating an audiobook. – Rob Reider – [email protected]