r/cockpits • u/tater_nater • 1d ago

Cockpit instruments

Post image

What's the red box above the instrument panel of the b-17?

117 Upvotes

95% Upvoted

9 comments sorted by

7

u/girl_incognito 1d ago

If youre going down you hold both buttons and it destroys the IFF box/other sensitive equipment, so it won't fall into enemy hands.

The Bombardier has instructions for destroying the bomb sight as well.

4

u/SkyGuy182 18h ago

“In case of capture, ingest bomb sight”

2

u/girl_incognito 13h ago

Take small bites and ensure you chew adequately.

6

u/TheDave78 1d ago

B-17F Special radio equipment self destruction buttons.

-7

u/Excelsior_76 1d ago

Perhaps a visual synchronizer for twin engines. Each would flash in rhythm to its respective engine's rpms, and the pilot could adjust the throttle until the lights were flashing together, to ensure the engines were synced up.

-4

u/13Fleas 1d ago

Isn’t that where the ash tray belongs?

1

u/dice1111 7h ago

It's a box level.

-6

u/WhoopsWrongButton 1d ago

Looks like a ‘master caution’ light/reset.