Hand held air compressor

[Fritz Maurer]

Under what circumstances do you need 1000 psi of compressed air?

 

[scootergmc]

According to the google those were used on the remote gun turrets of the B-29.

 

[used red MN]

According to the google those were used on the remote gun turrets of the B-29.

Per AI
In a B-29 rear turret, the 1000 psi air compressor was used to charge the air system that operated the gun-charging mechanisms for the machine guns
.
Here is a breakdown of the function:

• Charging system: The compressor supplied the high-pressure air that was stored in air flasks.
• Operating guns: The compressed air was then used to cycle the machine guns, clearing any jams and re-cocking the weapons.
• Manual access impossible: Unlike earlier bombers like the B-17, the B-29 had a centralized fire control system with remote-controlled turrets. The gunner was isolated in a pressurized compartment away from the tail turret itself.
• Air-powered maintenance: Because the gunner could not manually access the guns to clear a jam, an automated pneumatic system was necessary for clearing malfunctions and ensuring the weapons could continue to fire.