B29 parts IBM and GE

[FarlamAirframes]

I was cleaning up some B29 parts and there are two parts that are the same.

One has an GE makers plate with a IBM name on the bottom.

I assume they are motors given the shape, wires in one end and shaft out the other.

Anyone know what they were for ?

[Cvairwerks]

Look at the shafts or tubes that are coming out of the ends...If they are hollow, it's probably differential pressure sensor.

[JohnB]

Pieces of post war loaned Washingtons or from a USAF crash site?

And as a subtle reminder, it's B-29 not B29, or B.29 (as used in postwar RAF bomber variant designations)...A lot of our UK friends make that mistake.
A small thing but worth getting correct.

[FarlamAirframes]

Thank you John but as I trained as a colour scientist who did a lot of sulphur chemistry and these parts are made from aluminium - should your Uk friends not be allowed some small digression in return. - I will adjust in future..

One of the ends is solid and the other has a very small bore opening in the middle.

P.S. it was not from an RAF Washington either.

[Taigh Ramey]

They are gyros from the GE Central Fire Control turret system. These gyros would sense the attacking aircraft's acceleration through the gunners manipulation of the sight while he tracked the target.

There were two mounted on each of the five B-29 gun sights. Four pedestal and one ring sight. I think yours are from a pedestal sight.

Image shamelessly stolen from here: https://aeroantique.com/collections/new-at-aeroantique/products/pedestal-gun-sighting-station-b-29-superfortress