The B-32 Dominator: The Heavy Bomber in Service for Less Than a Year

Many history buffs will be familiar with the B-29 Superfortress, which is perhaps best known as the aircraft which carried the atomic bomb during the attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. However, not many will have had the chance to hear about its little brother: the Consolidated B-32 Dominator.

The Dominator was actually devised as a backup plan for the Superfortress, in case the single-most expensive aircraft of WWII failed to meet the requirements.

When the B-29 proved its worth, the Dominator entered service rather late during the war, meaning that it didn’t see any action until mid-1945.

B-32 in flight
B-32 in flight

The Dominator first arrived at the Pacific Theatre as part of the 312th Brigade’s 386th Bombardment Squadron, where three of the bombers conducted raids on Japanese targets on the island of Formosa (today’s Taiwan).

This was the final stage of testing, after which the crews reported backs on the pros and cons of the aircraft.

The plane featured unique reversible-pitch inboard propellers, together with the Davis wing, allowing high speed, a good lift during low-angle attacks, and excellent landing performance.

XB-32-CO 41-142 on 28 February 1944
XB-32-CO 41-142 on 28 February 1944

On the other hand, the flaws weren’t exactly negligible.

The cockpit had a poor instrument layout, while the aircraft was making too much noise inside. Visibility was also impaired, and the nacelle design caused frequent engine fires. On top of it all, the aircraft was just too heavy.

Nevertheless, it passed the test and was perceived as a well-balanced bomber plane. It was capable of conducting air raids against the Japanese, whose army was a shadow of its former glory by 1945, especially when it came to air power.

TB-32s being assembled at Consolidated’s Fort Worth factory
TB-32s being assembled at Consolidated’s Fort Worth factory

After this successful streak of missions, the B-32s of the 386th Bombardment Squadron were back in action in July 1945, with six more bombing missions under their belt before the end of the war.

However, by August, they were exclusively conducting reconnaissance missions and aerial photography. The role of the B-32 at this point was to monitor the effectiveness of the ceasefire which came into effect on the 15th of August.

Consolidated TB-32-15-CF.
Consolidated TB-32-15-CF.

Although an official ceasefire was declared, the B-32 were attacked by renegade pilots on at least two occasions above Tokyo ― on August the 17th and August the 18th. During these clashes, however, neither of the parties involved suffered any casualties.

Just two days before the official surrender of Japan, the B-32 Dominator was retired. All orders were canceled, and many of the functioning aircraft were sent to scrap.

Having been active in use from the 27th of January to the 30th of August, it was one of the shortest-serving aircraft in U.S. history.

More photos:

Consolidated XB-32 Dominator in flight.
Consolidated XB-32 Dominator in flight.

 

B-32 Dominator in Kingman, Arizona, 1947.
B-32 Dominator in Kingman, Arizona, 1947.

 

B-32 Dominator in flight
B-32 Dominator in flight

 

B-32s awaiting scrapping in February 1947
B-32s awaiting scrapping in February 1947

 

B-32 42-108543 of the 312th Bomb Group refueling Yontan airfield Okinawa
B-32 42-108543 of the 312th Bomb Group refueling Yontan airfield Okinawa

 

Consolidated B-32 Dominator.
Consolidated B-32 Dominator.

 

B-32 Dominator front view
B-32 Dominator front view

 

B-32 Dominator in the Philippines, 312nd bomb group 1945
B-32 Dominator in the Philippines, 312nd bomb group 1945

 

B-32 Dominator 42-108529 “The Lady Is Fresh” nose art
B-32 Dominator 42-108529 “The Lady Is Fresh” nose art

 

B-32 Dominator: 3rd prototype XB-32 41-18336 in flight.
B-32 Dominator: 3rd prototype XB-32 41-18336 in flight.

 

B-32 Dominator 42-108536 in flight during World War II.
B-32 Dominator 42-108536 in flight during World War II.

 

Crew trainer TB-32-10-CF Dominator 42-108506
Crew trainer TB-32-10-CF Dominator 42-108506

 

B-32-1-CF Dominator serial 42-108471, August 1945.
B-32-1-CF Dominator serial 42-108471, August 1945.

 

B-32 Dominator 42-108532 “Hobo Queen II”
B-32 Dominator 42-108532 “Hobo Queen II”

Read another story from us: B-36: In the entire history of aviation, it is the largest combat aircraft in regard to height & wingspan

“Hobo Queen II” of the 386th Bomb Squadron, 312th Bomb Group
“Hobo Queen II” of the 386th Bomb Squadron, 312th Bomb Group

Nikola Budanovic

Nikola Budanovic is one of the authors writing for WAR HISTORY ONLINE