Hell Over Korea

The time period covered in the expansion module was chosen because it was the most dynamic period of the war for the B-29. Early missions (i.e., before November 1950) for the bomber met with little enemy opposition, with relatively ineffective raids against tactical targets. North Korea's few strategic targets and industries were also quickly disposed of. However, in November 1950 the Chinese Communists were in the war, and the B-29 began facing its first serious opposition with the introduction of large numbers of Soviet MiG-15 fighters. It was now a real contest. However, the MiG-15 had been specifically designed to shoot down B-29s and the aging Superfortresses were outmatched by the jet, even with fighter escorts. Aircraft losses would soon restrict most B-29 missions to night-only attacks, largely in a supply-interdiction role.