The B-32's teething problems are fewer and/or solved faster and the B-32 Dominator enters service in May 1944. The B-32 begins replacing the B-24 in operational service. How does the B-32 fare and how long is it kept in service? Would it see service in Korea like the B-29?
Consolidated B-32 in service longer
- Thread starter NoOneFamous
- Start date
NothingNow
Banned
Probably not. The B-32 is kinda lacking pressurization among other things, so the Army Air Corps or USAF would likely ditch it pretty fast to preserve funds for the Superfortress, the B-36 and the early jet bombers.
They might see fairly long lives as water bombers on the west coast though.
They might see fairly long lives as water bombers on the west coast though.
marathag
Banned
Might take over for ELINT missions that the PB4Y-2 Privateers did after the War
Knew a retired USAF Lt. Colonel who actually flew the B-32, he thought it better than the B-29 on how it flew, and had fewer engine problems.
He thought it due to the better nacelle design for cooling.
Since most of the Japanese air raids turned out to be from lower altitudes, little loss from no pressurization gear
Knew a retired USAF Lt. Colonel who actually flew the B-32, he thought it better than the B-29 on how it flew, and had fewer engine problems.
He thought it due to the better nacelle design for cooling.
Since most of the Japanese air raids turned out to be from lower altitudes, little loss from no pressurization gear
I've thought before that it would make a pretty decent ultra-long-range patrol bomber in naval service. Give it similar modifications to the PB4Y, to give support to naval task forces in the broad reaches of the Pacific. In the Atlantic, the 'PB5Y' would have more time on task than the PB4Y/Liberator. Given a resurgent submarine threat from 1944 onwards - whether Type XXI, I-201, or Project 611 - the speed, range and capacity of a ULR landplane patrol bomber would be quite useful.
Delta Force
Banned
Why would a design that is not on the cutting edge of technology be produced? In the postwar downsizing, the type would certainly see a reduction in force, if not removal from service. There were thousands of B-29 bombers produced, and by 1945 the USAAF was running out of targets, not bombers.
The POD states that Consolidated was much much better than they were, and actually developed the B-32 to spec, while Boeing did not. The B-32 thus replaces the B-29 in all its functions and roles, bombing Japan, carrying nuclear weapons, being supplied to Britain as the Washington, being converted to an in-flight re-fueling aircraft and being bifurcated into a transport aircraft. In meeting up with MiGs in Korea, the bombing role ends. The Boeing Company quietly slides into the lucrative kitchenware market. Lockheed marches on with conversions of the Connie, and production of the Neptune.
With Boeing's failure, the 707 and subsequent successes are gone, no question, but what happens to the B-36, with Consolidated's success?
With Boeing's failure, the 707 and subsequent successes are gone, no question, but what happens to the B-36, with Consolidated's success?
Delta Force
Banned
Convair, Douglas, and Lockheed would be the three prominent aerospace companies in the United States. North American Aviation/Rockwell and Grumman would be other important companies. Grumman might be able to become a major aerospace corporation if it builds on it successful Gulfstream business aircraft line.
Given the OP (which presumes a fully capable bomber), the B-32 would become the primary "super-heavy" USAAF bomber. It is entirely possible that the B-29 would be ordered into production as for the same reasons the B-32 was in OTL...as insurance against failure. There is nothing odd (in fact its pretty typical in WW2) to produce two aircraft intended to fulfill the same basic function.
Another reason that the B-29 might have been favored over the B-32 has little to do with the relative capabilities of the two aircraft, . When the development of these planes was initiated, Consolidated was also working on the much larger and far more innovative B-36. After the B-29 proved to be sucessuful, why order large numbers of an inferior competitor when Consolidated had the B-36 entering final design.
Another reason that the B-29 might have been favored over the B-32 has little to do with the relative capabilities of the two aircraft, . When the development of these planes was initiated, Consolidated was also working on the much larger and far more innovative B-36. After the B-29 proved to be sucessuful, why order large numbers of an inferior competitor when Consolidated had the B-36 entering final design.
Last edited:
It's worth noting in this context that the B-32 was never fully cancelled in OTL until the war was over. Orders for 1,885 aircraft were cancelled in September-October 1945, and it was planned to convert the 312d Bomb Wing from A-20s to B-32s for the invasion of Japan. Quite what the rest of the B-32 order was planned for, I have no idea.
They would have re-equipped 8th Airforce B17's units transferred from Europe for the invasion of Japan.