Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque in Bernalillo County, New Mexico — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Silverplate and Saddletree Bombers
Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, August 23, 2021
1. Silverplate and Saddletree Bombers Marker
Silverplate was the code word for the aircraft modification project for the B-29 Superfortress bomber to enable it to carry atomic bombs. Silverplate B-29s had their bomb bays modified. The gun turrets and most of the aircraft's armor protection were removed to save weight. Later versions would have improved features such as upgraded engines and electric propellers with reversible pitch capabilities which improved braking power on landings.
The Silverplate project came to an end on May 12, 1947. A total of 65 Silverplate B-29s were made, of which 32 were operational at the start of 1948. Silverplate was replaced by the Saddletree project. Saddletree was an expanded version of Silverplate. A January 1948 directive from the Joint Chiefs of Staff called for the modifications of 225 various bomber types for atomic bomb use, including 80 B-29s.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • War, Cold. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1948.
Location. 35° 3.925′ N, 106° 32.059′ W. Marker is in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in Bernalillo County. It is in Kirtland Air Force Base. Marker is on Eubank Boulevard SE south of Southern Boulevard SE, on the right when traveling south. The marker is on the grounds of the National Museum
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. B-29 Superfortress (here, next to this marker); The 100 Foot Tower (within shouting distance of this marker); Trinity Test (within shouting distance of this marker); USS James K. Polk (within shouting distance of this marker); B-52 Stratofortress (within shouting distance of this marker); New Mexico Air Guard, "The Tacos" (within shouting distance of this marker); B-52B Stratofortress 52-0013 (within shouting distance of this marker); 280 mm Atomic Cannon (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Albuquerque.
Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, August 23, 2021
2. An additional nearby marker dedicated to Capt. Martin Joseph and Mary Ruth Dirnbauer
In loving memory of Capt. Martin Joseph and Mary Ruth Dirnbauer
Capt. Dirnbauer, commanded a B-29 during World War II. Capt. Dirnbauer is pictured in the upper left of the photo below. This photo was taken in Clovis, New Mexico in October 1944.
Capt. Dirnbauer, commanded a B-29 during World War II. Capt. Dirnbauer is pictured in the upper left of the photo below. This photo was taken in Clovis, New Mexico in October 1944.
Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, August 23, 2021
3. Silverplate and Saddletree Bombers Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 6, 2021, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. This page has been viewed 276 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 6, 2021, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana.
