HEADQUARTERS, PYOTE ARMY AIR FIELD
Office of the Director of Training
Pyote, Texas
12 June 1945
| SUBJECT: | Ditching Procedure, B-29's with Four-Gun Turret |
| TO: | All Holders of 2AF manuals 50-26, 50-27, 50-37, 50-43, 50-56 and 100-7 Sec. IV |
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:
(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 suggestedby the "BOEING AIRCRAFT COMPANY", manufacturers of the aircraft. Thesepositions were on trial, but were as logical as could be devised withoutactual ditching experience. The Boeing procedure and its variousmodifications have all been steps in the right direction. Changes havebeen based on actual ditching experience and procedures set forth hereare results of all ditching experiences to date. They are not to beconsidered permanent. As new ditching characteristics of the B-29 arelearned, they will be incorporated to assure the safest procedurespossible.
2. The importance of these approved methods cannot be stressed toohighly. Modifications in these procedures mayNOT be made at the discretion of the airplanecommander.
3. Experience to date proves that ditching characteristics of theB-29 are superior to those of any other aircraft now used by the ArmyAir Forces. The greatest factor in ditching is the airplane's buoyancyqualities. The B-29 has demonstrated, even during mediocre ditchings,that it will stay afloat for long periods and does not sink easily. On amoderately successful ditching, the aircraft is apt to stay afloat forat least ten (10) minutes and may float for several hours.
4. Ditching impacts are severe. Every precaution must be taken to padagainst impact in the ditching position. Parachute, cushions, clothing,etc., will be used for this purpose. During impact the individual's headmust be well protected. The flak helmet will be worn only when the headcan be braced against something substantial. In all positions, the legsshould be flexed to absorb the effects of a sudden jar.
5. When injured crew members are aboard they will be put in theproper positions and/or supported between the legs of other crewposition. This may be difficult, but it has proven successful onnumerous occasions.
6. Ditching position practice, as a part of completed ditching drill,is a "MUST" for all combat crews. Every step in ditching procedure mustbe practiced and learned thoroughly by the entire crew as a unit, inorder to eliminate confusion. Practice it against time until the entireprocess becomes second nature.
Paragraphs 7 through 91 are Ditching Procedureinstructions for the various B-29 crew positions. These are reproducedseparately for insertion in the applicable S.O.P.'s for thesepositions.
92.