Convair B-36: A Comprehensive History of America’s “Big Stick”

by Meyers K. Jacobsen

Convair A Comprehensive History of America’s “Big Stick” is a collaborative effort edited and co-authored by Meyers Jacobsen exploring the history of one of SAC’s air giants, the six-engine Convair B-36. From the origins of the use of six engines on bombers from around the world, along with the history and development of SAC and the use of its numbers of B-36s, this book will give the reader a greater amount of information than has ever before been published on the Convair B-36. Included with the technical and historical aspects of the B-36’s use in SAC, are first hand anecdotes and accounts from the men who serviced, flew, and proudly served in SAC under Curtis LeMay. There are also detailed sections on the electronic countermeasures and various armament configurations applied in the B-36, as well as chapters containing information on B-36 attrition, and detailed accounts of the survivors that exist to this day. A wonderful book for aircraft historians, modellers, and SAC enthusiasts.

Genres: Military History, History

400 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1998

Reviews

[Ian · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well titled book. This is a fascinating, EXHAUSTIVE history of a remarkable aircraft. I thoroughly enjoyed its depth, although I did get a bit bogged down in some of the systems descriptions. I don't think there's an aspect of the B-36 that is not covered.

As a pilot I'm always interested in the experiences of other pilots. While pilot accounts are well represented here, I have a selfish desire to hear more of these accounts.

If you want to know everything about the B-36, this is your book!

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I remember WELL the sound of these things over Miami during the Cuban Missle Crises.

They had 6 of the biggest radial piston engines ever made and 4 jet engines. They flew almost 8 miles high and down below the sound wasn't really loud but it was an unmistakeable DRONE sound.

The Air force had replaced them as principal bomber by 1958 but still used them for other things after that.

When I heard those things CONSTANTLY overhead night and day bringing troops and supplies into Key West then I knew this Cuban missle thing was for real.

Each one of these could carry a load of 43 tons, of either men or supplies, at 435 miles per hour.

So this was the fastest way to get things to Key West and these airplanes were what they used to supply the Key West Base.