Then they took the planes apart and copied them as closely as possible.
Which was tricky given imperial vs. metric supply chains/production capabilities:
The Soviet Union used the metric system and so sheet aluminium in thicknesses matching the B-29’s U.S. customary measurements was unavailable. The corresponding metric-gauge metal was of different thicknesses. Alloys and other materials new to the Soviet Union had to be brought into production. Extensive re-engineering had to take place to compensate for the differences, and Soviet official strength margins had to be decreased to avoid further redesign.[11] Despite those challenges, the prototype Tu-4 weighed only 340 kg (750 lb) more than the B-29, a difference of less than 1%.[12]
We hear a lot about the Soviets and Chinese copying American hardware. What has the US copied? We have (had) a huge industrial/ design base but surely other countries have invented something good at least once or twice!
Which was tricky given imperial vs. metric supply chains/production capabilities:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tupolev_Tu-4
We hear a lot about the Soviets and Chinese copying American hardware. What has the US copied? We have (had) a huge industrial/ design base but surely other countries have invented something good at least once or twice!
…Would the cavity magnetron the UK sent over count?
Fascinating! http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/6331897.stm I hadn’t heard of that.
I’m not sure it counts, just because it wasn’t copied secretly as much intentionally shared?
Yes, China has invented important things once or twice.
Well no doubt. I’m curious what was copied the other way like the Flying Fortress in the article.