The Clever Method B-29s Use For Aiming Guns

How did B-29 crews identify Japanese ships? How did they even calculate the length of the ship? as well as the clever method gunners, used their pedestal gun sites to calculate the length of the ship?

The Process

Bomber crew ship identification is vital. The crew on B-29s can report the location and type of Japanese ships during combat missions.

Destruction of these ships can lead to fewer Japanese flak attacks and follow-on missions. Warship recognition is vital to identify between US and Japanese ships.

Due to combat mission factors like bombing altitude, speed, atmospheric conditions crew fatigue, etc. B-29 crews at a minimum can identify the ship as either a merchant or warship.

A B-29 airman can essentially classify a ship by type, but not necessarily class within the type.

Identifying Enemy Ships

During World War II, B-29 crew members were used to help identify Japanese ships during combat missions.

Blister gunners could utilize their pedestal gun sights to estimate the length of the ship and help with ship-type identification.