Re: B-36 origins
Thanks, Ed. I have been looking at some of the US reforms within the defence industries in the 1930's and it is clear that a very long range bomber (as yet un-named) was being included in some of the plans. FDR was actively involved in a lot of the air discussions and the formation of the Air Administration in 1939 allowed him to have much more hands-on control (and less control for congress).
I was told years ago by someone in the aviation industry that the B-36 project was 100% down to FDR saying 'do it, I'll fund it off the books'. Most of what I have found so far in the FDR correspondence leads me to believe the story, but nothing firm. It is now relevant to something I am working on and it is time to find out the real story. Many thanks.
Regards,
Bruce
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