National Archives: "Col. Paul W. Tibbets, Jr., pilot of the ENOLA GAY, the plane that dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima, waves from his cockpit before the takeoff, 6 August 1945."
National Archives: "Col. Paul W. Tibbets, Jr., pilot of the ENOLA GAY, the plane that dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima, waves from his cockpit before the takeoff, 6 August 1945."
On Aug. 5th, the first B-29 is officially named the Enola Gay after pilot Colonel Paul Tibbit's mother.
The mission departs on Aug. 6, 1945 at 2:45 AM from Tinian. The bomb is not armed until it is in the air for fear of an accidental detonation during take-off from the rough runway. The Enola Gay and it's companion plane The Great Artiste piloted by Squadron Commander Major Charles Sweeney. The Great Artiste is there for observation. The two planes arrive over Hiroshima at 8:15 AM, where the cargo is deployed. Little Boy detonates with a force of 15 Kilotons. The Enola Gay returns to Tinian at 2:58 PM, about 12 hours after departure.
