B-36 Peacemaker Spark Plug Question Sparks Debate

The Convair B‑36 Peacemaker, still the largest mass‑produced piston‑engine aircraft, has long drawn attention for its 336 spark plugs. A recent Simple Flying article notes that enthusiasts question whether all 336 plugs were replaced each time the bomber landed for service. The piece does not confirm the practice, instead highlighting the persistent curiosity among historians and aviation hobbyists. While the B‑36’s engineering achievements are well documented, the maintenance routine for its spark plugs remains unclear. The article encourages further archival research to determine whether the plug‑replacement protocol was as exhaustive as rumored.