Daily Archives: August 22, 2016
WW2 United States Army Air Force Gun Sight Station B-29 Superfortress RARE
This sight was used SPECIFICALLY in the Boeing B-29 Superfortress! The Boeing B-29 Superfortress is a four-engine propeller-driven heavy bomber designed by Boeing which was flown by the United States during World War II. It was one of the largest aircraft operational during World War II and featured state of the art technology. It was the single most expensive weapons project undertaken by the United States during that time, exceeding the cost of the Manhattan Project by between 1 and 1.7 billion dollars. It featured a pressurized cabin, all dual wheeled, tricycle landing gears, and a remote, computer-controlled fire-control system that directed four machine gun turrets that could be operated by a single gunner and a fire-control officer. A manned tail gun installation was semi-remote. The name “Superfortress” continued the pattern Boeing started with its well-known predecessor, the B-17 Flying Fortress. Designed for the high-altitude strategic bomber role, the B-29 also excelled in low-altitude nighttime incendiary bombing missions. One of the B-29’s final roles during World War II was carrying out the atomic bomb attacks on Hiroshima and Nagaski. The 4 turrets and tail mount of the B-29 all operate by remote control. The gunners sit at sighting stations inside the fuselage and manipulate their gunsights. Computers, connected to the sights, automatically figure deflections for any fighter within range. A system of control transfer enables gunners to take over control of more than one turret for a single gunsight. For every turret there is a gunner who has first call. The nose gunner is given first call on the upper and lower forward turrets. This affords him the greatest possible fire power with which to meet a frontal attack. If he doesn’t need the lower turret, he can let one of the side gunners take it over. For instance, he might be using the upper turret to shoot at an enemy coming in high, while at the same time another hostile plane may be coming in low. In such a case, he would give one of the side gunners control of the lower forward turret. Similarly, he can release control of the upper forward turret to the top gunner. Made of solid brass, aluminum, and steel with an black finish, this General Railway Signal Company, this computerized Gunsight is in AMAZING used condition! Manufactured between 1943 and 1945, it retains 95% of it’s original paint and finish, with almost NO corrosion! It is mounted to a large wood base, complete with an engraved brass plate for display purposes. It appears to be 100% complete, but sadly, there is one small break on the frame for one of the tinted glasses (see photo). Should be an easy fix, but could also be left as is, as it does not distract. The data plate is still 100% INTACT, clearly indicating all information; as well as is the main plug. Some slight cracking to the rubber wiring, but this is normal, due to the age. Some marks, dents, wear and scratches throughout. I have indicated it’s location in the rear gunner’s station in the last photos. A SUPERB example, rarely seen on the market, it would make a PERFECT addition to any collection or display! Most of my items are vintage, and as such are AS-IS, so you must therefore expect a degree of wear due to age and/or usage. ABOUT ME. Although my passion is the Me109, I do offer many other German Aircraft Fw190, Me262, etc. , as well as USAF and Japanese items. Occasionally I do offer many non-vintage items such as prints and art relating to the time period. Use is solely based on my authorization only. The free listing tool. The item “WW2 United States Army Air Force Gun Sight Station B-29 Superfortress RARE” is in sale since Sunday, August 21, 2016. This item is in the category “Collectibles\Militaria\WW II (1939-45)\Original Period Items\United States\Field Gear, Equipment”. The seller is “messerschmitt*109″ and is located in Malibu, California. This item can be shipped worldwide.