B-29 Superfortress: “Jack’s Hack” Lives On

Introducing our newest PlaneTags, crafted from B-29A Superfortress S/N 44-61975, preserved in partnership with the New England Air Museum. Get yours now on planetags.com.

A Giant of the Skies

With its unmistakable silhouette, cutting-edge design, and role in bringing an end to World War II, the Boeing B-29 Superfortress is one of the most legendary aircraft ever built. Designed for long-range strategic bombing, the B-29 introduced revolutionary features such as pressurized crew compartments, remote-controlled gun turrets, and unprecedented endurance, helping to reshape the future of aerial warfare.

Photo by Richard E Flagg, used with permission

Today, fewer than 30 complete B-29 airframes remain in the United States, and nearly all are housed in museums. Very few collectors have ever had the chance to own a piece of one, until now.

We’re honored to introduce our new B-29 PlaneTags, crafted from the authentic skin of B-29A Superfortress S/N 44-61975, in partnership with the New England Air Museum, where the aircraft is proudly displayed as “Jack’s Hack”, a tribute to the courageous aircrews of the 58th Bomb Wing and the aircraft’s extraordinary second life.

What Was the B-29 Superfortress?

Photo by Richard E Flagg, used with permission

The Boeing B-29 Superfortress was a revolutionary heavy bomber developed during World War II to meet the U.S. Army Air Forces’ need for a long-range, high-capacity strategic bomber. Designed to fly higher, faster, and farther than its predecessors, the B-29 was a direct response to the limitations of the B-17 Flying Fortress and B-24 Liberator.

Photo by Richard E Flagg, used with permission

Most notably used in the Pacific Theater, B-29s flew long-range missions from the Mariana Islands, including the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. After the war, the B-29 saw limited use during the Korean War, before being replaced by the jet-powered B-47 Stratojet and later the B-52 Stratofortress. Its technological advancements, like pressurization, remote weapons systems, and advanced engines, paved the way for the future of strategic airpower. Read about another B-29 that became PlaneTags - B-29 Superfortress: Meet Miss Liberty Belle

By United States Army Air Forces - B-29 Assembly Line in Wichita, KS, Public Domain, Link

B-29 Superfortress At A Glance

B-29 Superfortress Characteristics:

• Crew: 10
• Empty Weight: 71,360 LB
• Wing Span: 141 FT 3 IN
• Length: 99 FT
• Height: 27 FT 9 IN

B-29 Superfortress Performance:

• Max : 120,000 Lbs (135,000 LBS Maximum Overload)
• Range: 3,476 NMI AT 25,000 FT W/5,000 LB Bomb Load
• Max Cruise Speed: 311 KTS
• Ceiling: 31,850 FT
• Armament: 12 x .50-caliber machine guns, 1 x 20 mm cannon, 20,000-LB bomb load
• Engine: Four x Wright R-3350-23 Duplex Cyclone Eighteen-Cylinder Air Cooled Radial Engines with Two General Electric Turbo Superchargers

Photo by Richard E Flagg, used with permission

From War’s End to the Cold War: The Journey of 44-61975

Photo by Dave Welch, used with permission

Boeing B-29A Superfortress S/N 44-61975 was completed in July 1945 at Boeing’s Renton, Washington plant, just as World War II was drawing to a close. Delivered too late for combat, it began a long and varied service life that reflected the shifting priorities of the postwar U.S. military.

Initially assigned to the 4117th AAF Base Unit at Robins Field in Georgia, the aircraft supported stateside operations and training missions. Over the next several years, it transitioned between bomber and trainer roles as the U.S. prepared for an evolving global landscape.

In 1952, 44-61975 was transferred to the 582d Air Resupply and Communications Group, a specialized unit that worked closely with the U.S. Army’s 10th Special Forces Group, conducting unconventional warfare, psychological operations, and counterinsurgency missions. During this time, the aircraft was stationed at RAF Molesworth in the United Kingdom and later at Wheelus Air Base in Libya, placing it at the front lines of Cold War strategy.

By the late 1950s, the aircraft was retired from active service. In 1960, it was transferred to the Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland, designated as a target aircraft. For the next 13 years, it remained grounded but intact. A rare fate for aircraft at Aberdeen, where most were destroyed.

In 1973, it was rescued by the Bradley Air Museum, now known as the New England Air Museum, just before it would have been lost forever.

Unconventional Missions: The 582nd Air Resupply Group

One of the most fascinating chapters in 44-61975’s history is its service with the 582nd Air Resupply and Communications Group. As one of only twelve B-29s assigned to the group, this aircraft supported unconventional warfare and counterinsurgency operations in partnership with the U.S. Army’s 10th Special Forces Group.

Activated in 1952 at Mountain Home AFB, Idaho, the 582nd relocated to Great Falls, Montana, and eventually to RAF Molesworth. From there, it conducted classified missions across Europe - including psychological operations, airdrops, and special forces support.

The 582nd's missions marked a rarely discussed era in the B-29’s story; a bomber designed for WWII repurposed for Cold War covert operations.

A Second Chance: Rescued, Rebuilt, Remembered

Photo from Bradley Air Museum and the 1979 Windsor Locks Tornado

After over a decade at Aberdeen, 44-61975 was rescued by the Bradley Air Museum in 1973. But in 1979, a devastating tornado tore through the museum’s hangars, severely damaging the aircraft’s wings, fuselage, and tail.

Undeterred, the New England Air Museum began a multi-decade restoration, sourcing parts from other aircraft, including the aft fuselage of B-29 S/N 44-61739. The team chose to restore it as “Jack’s Hack,” honoring a combat B-29 flown by Capt. Jack Volkert of the 771st Bomb Squadron, 462nd Bomb Group.

We are proud to have partnered with NEAM to share this story through PlaneTags. A portion of the original skin was provided for this limited-edition release. Proceeds from each tag will support the museum’s preservation mission.

“The fact that this aircraft survived potential destruction not once but twice makes it incredibly special,” said Dave Hall, founder of MotoArt PlaneTags. “We’re honored to work with the New England Air Museum to give collectors a chance to own a piece of it, and to help support the people who saved it.”

Preserving Aviation History: About the New England Air Museum

Founded in 1959 as the Connecticut Aeronautical Historical Association, the New England Air Museum (formerly the Bradley Air Museum) has grown into the largest aviation museum in the northeastern United States. Located in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, adjacent to Bradley International Airport, the museum houses over 80 aircraft ranging from early flying machines to modern jets, as well as thousands of artifacts and exhibits.

NEAM is dedicated to preserving the rich history of aviation through restoration, education, and public engagement. Their collection includes historic military aircraft, civilian planes, helicopters, and engines, many of which have been painstakingly restored by staff and volunteers.

Proceeds from the sale of the B-29 Superfortress PlaneTags help support NEAM’s mission to educate the public and preserve these aircraft for future generations. When you purchase these PlaneTags, you’re not only collecting a piece of history, you’re actively contributing to the preservation of aviation heritage.

MotoArt Gets a B-29

The MotoArt team traveled to the East Coast to acquire material for this PlaneTag release directly from the NEAM. During the visit, they had the opportunity to witness the beautifully restored "Jack's Hack" up close and acquire the aircraft skin used for this limited-edition tag. It was a rare honor to bring a piece of this historic aircraft back to California to be transformed into PlaneTags.

Here are some photos from the trip:

Get Your B-29 Superfortress PlaneTags

The B-29 Superfortress PlaneTags are made from the authentic aircraft skin of S/N 44-61975, in partnership with the New England Air Museum. Each tag is laser-etched, individually numbered, and part of a limited series of 3,850.

These tags are available in multiple variants, each one unique in color and character. Many will sell out immediately when they launch on Thursday, August 7 at 12 PM Pacific.

Collectors, don’t wait for the email. Log into your account at PlaneTags.com or use the PlaneTags app on Apple or Android at launch time to secure the rarest variants.

Explore More Legendary Bombers

•  Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress – B-17G 44-83387

•  B-52 Stratofortress “Lucky Lady III” – 53-394

•  Curtiss SB2C-5 Helldiver – BuNo 83393

•  Convair B-36 Peacemaker – 42-13571

•  North American RA-5C Vigilante – 150839

•  Douglas TB-26B Invader – 44-34156

Each PlaneTag is a genuine piece of aviation history, preserved, numbered, and ready for your collection. 

PlaneTags: Own a Piece of History

Photo by Richard E Flagg, used with permission

The B-29 Superfortress represents a pivotal moment in aviation and world history. From its WWII roots to its Cold War missions and final transformation into a museum centerpiece, S/N 44-61975 is a true survivor.

Each PlaneTag is a piece of that legacy; rescued, restored, and now preserved for generations to come. Add one to your collection before they’re gone.