Amazing footage.Question, it appears the B-29 is backing up under it's own power. Did the B-29 have reversible props? Or is there a tow out of view somewhere?
As I understand it, the Silverplate B-29s were equipped with Curtiss Electric reversible pitch propellers instead of the regular Hamilton Standard units, so yes, they could indeed back up under their own power!Originally Posted by John Leidel
I learn something new everyday! Thanks for the info Zack!
Watch the video closely of the B-29 backing up. There is a group of guys up front there by the nose wheels, physically "steering" the nose wheels by hand, probably through the use of some sort of crow bar or lever. B-29's did not have any controls in the cockpit for "steerable" nose wheels.
If memory serves, I think a steerable nose wheel system was later introduced on the upgraded versions of the B-29 known as the B-50, which was then also applied to use on the subsequent C-97 / KC-97 / and Stratocruiser airliner.
Rick G.
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