Description
General Electric Fire-Interrupter and Collector-Ring Assembly for Boeing B-29 Superfortress Upper-Aft Gun Turret, P/N 8005002G6
The General Electric fire-interrupter and collector-ring assembly, P/N 8005002G6, is a specialized turret subassembly for the Boeing B-29 Superfortress. It served the GE 2CGD50URC4 upper-aft gun turret—also called the upper-rear turret in period fire-control literature—within the GE 2CFR55B1 Central Station Fire-Control System. That turret carried two .50-caliber machine guns.
Mounted beneath the turret's ammunition frame, the assembly combined a protected-arc firing interrupter with a 26-circuit rotary collector ring. It is an individual turret component, not a complete turret, gunsight, fire-control computer, or pair of machine guns.
Historical Significance
The B-29's remotely controlled defensive armament represented an important advance in World War II aircraft fire control. Central sighting stations directed powered gun turrets positioned around the aircraft, creating a need for specialized components that could preserve electrical continuity through turret rotation while preventing fire into protected portions of the aircraft.
This GE assembly reflects both requirements in one unit. Its collector-ring section carried electrical circuits across the rotating turret interface, while its cam-operated interrupter section protected the B-29's tail, propellers, sighting stations, and other aircraft structure from the upper-aft turret's lines of fire.
Upper-Aft and Upper-Rear Turret Terminology
Period references use both upper aft and upper rear for this B-29 turret position. The GE model designation 2CGD50URC4 identifies the applicable two-gun turret in the 2CFR55B1 Central Station Fire-Control System; the different position wording does not indicate a different assembly.
What This Item Is and Does
The fire-interrupter portion used contoured cams and separate electrical switches for the turret's two guns. When turret movement brought either gun toward a protected aircraft zone, the corresponding cam actuated its switch and opened that gun's firing circuit.
The collector-ring portion incorporated 26 electrical rings with corresponding brush pairs. These stationary-to-rotating contacts carried the turret's electrical circuits across the rotating joint without twisting the connected wiring as the turret traversed.
Key Features
- Package nomenclature: “Interruptor & Collector Assem”
- General Electric part number: 8005002G6
- Aircraft application: Boeing B-29 Superfortress
- End-item application: GE 2CGD50URC4 upper-aft/upper-rear gun turret
- Fire-control system: GE 2CFR55B1 Central Station Fire-Control System
- Armament served: two .50-caliber machine guns
- Fire-interrupter section used contoured cams and a separate switch for each gun
- Collector-ring section used 26 electrical rings and brush pairs
- Mounted beneath the turret ammunition frame
- Turret subassembly only; not a complete turret, gunsight, or fire-control computer
Why This Item Matters
This assembly is a distinctive example of the electromechanical engineering behind the B-29's remote defensive armament. Its two complementary functions show how the GE system managed both continuous turret rotation and the aircraft-specific firing restrictions required around a large four-engine bomber.
For collectors and institutions, the package-marked GE part number and documented 2CGD50URC4 application provide a specific identity that is more informative than a generic description such as collector ring or turret electrical assembly.
About This Item
The original package identifies the component as “Interruptor & Collector Assem” and carries General Electric part number 8005002G6. Its documented application is the 2CGD50URC4 upper-aft gun turret in the B-29's 2CFR55B1 Central Station Fire-Control System.
The offered item is the fire-interrupter and collector-ring assembly itself. A complete turret, machine guns, gunsight, fire-control computer, ammunition frame, and other associated B-29 equipment are not included.
All items are opened from the original packaging to verify its condition before shipment. If your prefer to receive an item in its original, unopened packaging, please indicate your request in the order comments at checkout. Please Note: If you request an item in its original, unopened packaging, we are unable to verify the item's condition prior to shipment.
Ideal For
This item is a strong fit for:
- Boeing B-29 Superfortress collectors and historians
- World War II aircraft-armament collections
- Museum and educational displays about remote turret fire control
- General Electric military fire-control researchers
- Static B-29 turret restoration and reference projects
- Aviation electrical and electromechanical component collections
Approx length 13", Approx width 15", Approx height 11", Approx weight 19 lbs.
Pictures are stock images of our inventory. Unless otherwise noted, you will not be receiving the exact item shown in the pictures. The pictures are representative of the item's general condition. The item you receive might be slightly better, or worse, condition than was shown in the pictures.
Please visit our page about order lead times here: 
