The B-29 missions followed a predictable pattern—the bombers repeatedly arrived in daylight over the same regions (Tokyo and Nagoya), at the same altitude (30,000 feet). In time, the Japanese army and navy fighter commands recognized these patterns and made tactical adjustments to counter the raids. As soon as their coastal radars detected an inbound strike, the fighters scrambled to altitude. Often the Japanese were able to put more than two hundred fighters into the air to meet an incoming formation of fifty to seventy-five unescorted B-29s. Air defense of the Kanto region was concentrated
...more
