The Consolidated B-32 Dominator (Consolidated Model 34) was an American heavy strategic bomber built for the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. A B-32 was involved in the last air combat engagement of the war, resulting in the war's last American air combat death.

On August 17, almost 48 hours after the cessation of hostilities between the United States and Japan, B-32s on a photo run near Tokyo encountered rogue Japanese fighters.

Feb 23, 2024 · Summary: The B-29 Superfortress is famous for its role in the atomic bombings, but it had a lesser-known rival: the Consolidated B-32 Dominator. Developed as a backup for the B-29, the B-32...

Nov 27, 2018 · 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.

Nov 22, 2023 · In a painting by Stan Stokes, B-32 Dominators fly a photoreconnaissance mission over Japan on August 18, 1945. Japan was supposed to have surrendered, but enemy fighters attacked the American bombers nonetheless. (Stan Stokes courtesy of Cranston Fine Art)

Oct 16, 2015 · On August 18, 1945, a pair of Dominators from the 368th Bombardment Squadron flew to Tokyo on a photographic mission, where they were attacked and claimed two Japanese fighters shot down. Considering the time and expense invested in the B32, it was still an embarrassing record.

These aircraft were designated as Boeing XB-29, Lockheed XB-30, Douglas XB-31 and Consolidated XB-32. The XB-29 was chosen as the winner. The Consolidated B-32 Dominator was a four-engined heavy bomber ordered by the Army Air Force at the same time as the Boeing B-29 Superfortress.

May 3, 2024 · "The Consolidated B-32 Dominator was a fail-safe heavy bomber design requested by the U.S. air service in case that the Boeing B-29 Superfortress was not yet ready to go."

Jun 14, 2022 · Both the B-29 Superfortress and the B-32 Dominator used Wright’s R-3350 Duplex-Cyclone 18-cylinder radial engines that drove four large four-bladed propellers. Both were also fully pressurized,...