B-29 SUPER FORTRESS USAAF TYPE E-1 AMMETER GAUGE

The B-29 was one of the most technologically advanced aircraft of WWII and pioneered many aeronautical innovations that were instrumental in the development of post war military and civilian air transportation.

The B-29 had state-of-the-art technology, including a pressurised cabin, dual-wheeled, tricycle landing gear, and an analog computer-controlled fire-control system that allowed one gunner and a fire-control officer to direct four remote machine gun turrets.

Each of its four powerful  Wright R-3350-23 Duplex-Cyclone 18-cylinder air-cooled turbo-supercharged radial piston engines delivered over 2,200 hp (1,600 kW) each and were coupled with their own P2 generators to supply power to the aircraft's complex electrical systems.

The B-29 was also fitted with a large independent Aircraft Power Unit (APU), typically known as ‘putt–putts' and installed in the unpressurised section at the rear of the aircraft.

Various models of four-stroke, Flat-twin or V-twin engines were used. The 7 horsepower (5.2 kW) engine drove a P2, DC generator, rated 28.5 Volts and 200 Amps. The putt-putt provided power for starting the main engines and was used after take-off to a height of 10,000 feet (3,000 m). The putt-putt was restarted when the B-29 was descending to land.

All electrical, hydraulic, flight and fuel controls ran back to a large Engineering panel on the Port Bulkhead behind the cockpit and kept the B-29’s Flight Engineer busy throughout the mission monitoring and adjusting the many systems for optimum performance.

This 300Ah Ammeter was mounted above the Engineer’s desk at the bottom right of the Engineers Electrical panel and monitored the power draw of the aircraft.

This B-29 Super Fortress Instrument comes complete with detailed Scale Model, Mango Wood Stand & Plaque plus Printed Fact Sheet featuring photo of instrument in aircraft cockpit. 

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