Switch to full style
This is the place where the majority of the warbird (aircraft that have survived military service) discussions will take place. Specialized forums may be added in the new future
Post a reply

B-29 UV Lights?

Sun Jan 03, 2010 10:00 am

I was watching this video (http://www.joost.com/272ij6q/t/American-War-Eagles-Boeing-B-29-Superfortress) on the Boeing B-29 and a portion of it shows an abbreviated crew pre-flight and test flight. At about 10:57 into the video, it talks about the pilot checking the Ultra Violet lights. This caught me by surprise... the B-29 with UV lights? I searched around my books and the internet and could find nothing that ever indicated a B-29 had UV lights or what they would even be used for and so I was hoping that someone here might have an idea.

Re: B-29 UV Lights?

Sun Jan 03, 2010 12:51 pm

Most WW II era lighter than air craft and a few larger birds like the B-29 had "black" lights that illuminated instrument panels. Combined with phosphorescent paint on dials and switches, it served as a cheap version of radium or later tritium glow in the dark instrument faces.

Re: B-29 UV Lights?

Sun Jan 03, 2010 9:35 pm

Ahhh... I see now. I didn't think as to special lighting requirements for the radium dials and such. I also learned now that black lights are actually UV lights :)
Post a reply