The Chickenpox Plane tale, often shared on social media, involves military officers seeking help from mathematician Abraham Wald on bomber survivability. Wald points out errors in their data analysis, leading to successful armor installations on bombers during WWII. However, discrepancies in the story arise, including the focus on a Lockheed PV-1 Ventura plane that isn’t historically accurate. The narrative, popularized by Howard Wainer and then further embellished by Jordan Ellenberg, highlights the importance of critical thinking and historical accuracy in understanding military strategies and aircraft survivability. This engaging article challenges readers to question popular narratives and consider the complexities behind wartime decision-making.
https://hushkit.net/2024/06/08/everything-youve-been-told-about-the-chickenbox-bomber-is-wrong-heres-why/