B-29 cockpit
The pilot’s instrument panel in B-29 was crucial for managing all vital flight parameters and ensuring a smooth and safe flight. Positioned directly in front of the pilot’s seat, it was designed with shock mounting to absorb vibrations. The panel contained an array of instruments essential for navigating, controlling the aircraft, and monitoring its systems.
Key Instruments on the Pilot’s Instrument Panel:
- Altimeter Type C-12: Measures the aircraft’s altitude.
- Turn Indicator AN5735-1: Displays the rate of turn.
- Flight Indicator AN5736-1: Provides attitude information, helping the pilot maintain level flight.
- Manifold Pressure Indicators (Type D-8A): Two gauges monitoring engine pressure.
- Air Speed Indicator: Displays the aircraft’s airspeed.
- Turn and Bank Indicator: Shows the coordination between turn and bank during flight.
- Rate of Climb Indicator: Displays the vertical speed or rate of climb/descent.
- Compass (Remote Reading): Provides directional orientation.
- Tachometers (2): Monitors engine RPMs, one for each engine.
- Clock: Tracks time, useful for navigation and mission timing.
- Suction Gauge: Monitors the vacuum system that powers some flight instruments.
- Radio Compass: A navigational aid for radio-based bearings.
- Ash Tray: A curious addition, fitted at most crew positions for convenience during long flights.
- Altimeter Correction Card: Allows the pilot to adjust for atmospheric pressure differences.
- Marker Beacon Lamp: Used to indicate the proximity to radio navigation beacons.
- Turret Warning Lamps (3): Alerts the pilot to the status of the aircraft’s defensive gun turrets.
- Bomb Release Lamp: Indicates the release of bombs.
- Static Pressure Selector Valve Switch: Allows the pilot to select different sources of static pressure, critical for accurate instrument readings.
Co-Pilot’s Instrument Panel:
While similar, the co-pilot’s panel had slightly different instruments tailored to secondary flight operations. It included:
- Air Speed Indicator
- Turn and Bank Indicator
- Rate of Climb Indicator
- Altimeter
- Turn Indicator
- Flight Indicator
- Compass
- Clock
- Reset Knob
- Flap Position Indicator: Shows the position of the aircraft’s wing flaps, crucial for takeoff and landing.
- Propeller Pitch Limit Lights: Alerts for propeller pitch settings.
- Landing Gear Indicator Lights: Shows the status of the landing gear, whether it is deployed or retracted.
The pilot’s and co-pilot’s panels provided the comprehensive information necessary for controlling the aircraft under various flight conditions and during complex missions, such as bombing runs or combat operations.