Enola Gay Wings and Engines

The Enola Gay, a modified B-29 Superfortress, featured high-aspect-ratio mid-mounted wings designed to support high-altitude, long-range missions. Each wing housed two Wright R-3350 Duplex-Cyclone radial engines, enabling the aircraft to carry heavy payloads over intercontinental distances. The wings incorporated large inboard flaps and outboard ailerons, which enhanced control during takeoff and landing despite the aircraft's size. As part of the Silverplate modifications for atomic missions, weight reductions, such as removing gun turrets, decreased wing loading and improved overall performance.

The Enola Gay's four Wright R-3350-57 engines each produced 2,200 horsepower and were equipped with turbo-superchargers to maintain power output at altitudes above 30,000 feet. These engines were essential for evading enemy fighters and maintaining accurate flight profiles for bombing missions. While early versions of the R-3350 experienced cooling and reliability issues, the Silverplate modifications incorporated later refinements that enhanced engine performance and operational dependability.