The Chilling Truth: How Cold Did It Get in WW2 Bombers?
During World War II, the extreme altitude flights of bombers often took them into some of the harshest and coldest environments ever experienced by human beings. Flying at altitudes between 20,000 and 30,000 feet, these aircraft encountered temperatures that plummeted to nearly -60°F (-51°C), posing significant challenges for the crew.
Extreme Cold at High Altitudes
The chilling conditions at such heights were not uniform. The outside air temperature at altitudes above 20,000 feet typically ranged from -20°F to -60°F (-29°C to -51°C), though it could go even lower depending on the specific altitude and atmospheric pressure. This frigid environment demanded specialized and robust equipment to protect the bombers' crew.
Efforts to Combat the Cold
To mitigate the impact of these extreme temperatures, bomber crews were equipped with heated flight suits, oxygen masks, and sometimes heated cabins. These measures, however, varied significantly by aircraft model. For example, the B-17 Flying Fortress and B-29 Superfortress were known to have superior heating systems compared to earlier models. While these innovations aimed to protect the crew, often they still had to contend with the freezing conditions, which in turn added to the challenging nature of their missions.
Development of B-29 Heaters
The B-29 Superfortress, a formidable bomber of the era, demonstrated advanced temperature control technology. In an ingenious measure, these aircraft depressurized their cabins when flying over enemy territory to avoid the risks of explosive decompression if the cabin were hit. However, they maintained a heat source to keep the internal temperatures at a tolerable level, ensuring that the mercury did not fall below -20°F, allowing the crew to manage the extreme cold more effectively.
British and German Reactors
In contrast, British and German bombers had to contend with slightly less extreme temperatures. Flying generally below 20,000 feet, their crews often endured temperatures around -20°F to -40°F (-29°C to -40°C). The RAF (Royal Air Force) adopted a strategy of flying at high altitudes during the day, then descending to near ground level in the evening to avoid radar detection. This resulted in the crew experiencing a harsher environment due to the fluctuating temperatures and the weight of their heavy clothing.
Japanese Bombers and Lower Altitude Flights
Japanese bombers typically flew at altitudes of 10,000 feet or less. At these lower elevations, the temperatures were noticeably milder, typically ranging from -5°F to -20°F (-21°C to -29°C). As a result, the crews did not face temperatures as extreme as those encountered by other bombers in the European theater.
Impact on Operations
The harsh conditions inside and outside the bombers significantly affected the performance and comfort of the crew. While advancements in technology improved some aspects of protection, the mission often remained highly challenging. The extreme cold was just one of many factors that contributed to the difficulties faced by these dedicated fliers in World War II.
The story of these bombers is a testament to the resolve and ingenuity of the people who built and flew them. Despite the severe temperatures, they managed to accomplish their missions, contributing to the Allied success in the war.