B-36 origins

[Bruce Dennis]

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