In the earlier B-29's, the oxygen cylinders were located in the
center wing section. At present, however, the cylinders are distributed
through the aft-portion of the ship. Regardless of the location of
cylinders, distribution is essentially the same. This distribution is
highly efficient. The entire loss of the O₂ supply to several crew
positions has been practically eliminated by the following principle.
1. EACH OF THE FOURTEEN OXYGEN STATIONS IS SUPPLIED FROM TWO WIDELY
SEPARATED DISTRIBUTION LINES DRAWING FROM AT LEAST TWO CYLINDERS
EACH. LOSS OF ONE LINE OR ITS ASSOCIATED CYLINDERS STILL LEAVES
EACH STATION WITH AN ALTERNATE SOURCE OF OXYGEN.
2. The entire system is self-equalizing by use of cross feeds and
automatic check valves. If part of the system is shot out, all
functioning stations will have equal access to the remaining
supply.
Brief study of the diagram of the oxygen supply to a typical B-29
station (Fig. 15) will demonstrate the safety factors of this dual
source supply.
Exact location of every oxygen cylinder and supply line may be found
in the late tech orders.