PPRuNe Forums

PPRuNe Forums (https://www.pprune.org/)
-   Aviation History and Nostalgia (https://www.pprune.org/aviation-history-nostalgia-86/)
-   -   Looking for picture of B17 flap/gear switch mods (https://www.pprune.org/aviation-history-nostalgia/589720-looking-picture-b17-flap-gear-switch-mods.html)

Ropey Pilot 17th Jan 2017 15:35

Looking for picture of B17 flap/gear switch mods
 
Wonder if anyone could help - I am trying to find an image of the modifications made to the wing flap/gear switches following the WWII research by Alphonse Chapanis into preventing inadvertent gear up selection after landing.

I have found several images of the original switches:

The B-17F. Control panel and pedestal.

but none showing the wheel and flap shaped 'toppers' that helped prevent inadvertent selection and led to the convention of shaping the levers on most commercial aircraft to this day!

Would be most grateful if anyone could point me in the right direction...

Fareastdriver 20th Jan 2017 09:20

The Vampire T11 had flap and undercarriage levers with those suggested knobs which was a good idea because they were out of sight down by the left hand side of the seat.

Jhieminga 24th Jan 2017 11:27

Just a thought, but were the B-17s even modified? It is well known that incidents on (amongst others) this type led to the mentioned research and lever/knob shapes but it would not surprise me if the results only showed up on later types. By the time the defined shapes were becoming known, the B-17 must have been nearing the end of its service life (even though it soldiered on in many places) and a modification of this sort was perhaps deemed unnecessary?

I've looked at a photo of a restored (still flying) example and the only modification is a small cover or guard over the gear switch.


All times are GMT. The time now is 12:28.


Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.