Ditching Procedure, B-29s with Four-Gun Turret

HEADQUARTERS, PYOTE ARMY AIR FIELD Office of the Director of Training Pyote, Texas
12 June 1945
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,
Major, Air Corps,
Training Secretary.
(2AF Manuals 50-26, 50-27, 50-56, 50-37, 50-43, 100-7 Sec. IV. Rev 2 June 1945.)
DITCHING PROCEDURE
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.