This a pair of rare Drift Meters used by the United States on bombing raids. Nicely mounted on heavy plaques for display. They were amazingly hi-tech devices for their time, are great conversation pieces, and worthy of being in a museum. Manufactured by the Pioneer Instrument Division of Bendix Aviation, and were used on bombing aircraft during WWII by the navigator to measure wind conditions in order to navigate the aircraft (especially at high altitudes). From my research, I have found out that they were at least used on the following aircraft:
C-47,
Boeing B17D "Swoose",
Douglas C-124,
Modified Halifax bombers (Royal Air Force 518 Meteorlogical Squadron)
and the B-25B (Mitchell).
Notably, a squadron of sixteen B-25B's were used in the DooLittle Raid on Japan on April 18th, 1942 (four months after Pearl Harbor).
Both units have the metal plates with the Model and Serial Number. One of the units also has a metal plate with "Instructions for Use", all still quite legible. Overall these are in great condition. They came from the estate of an avid WWII aircraft memoribilia collector, and displayed indoors.
Description
Category
Militaria
Medium
Optical instrument with a cast iron? metal housing
Distinguishing marks
Type B-3 Driftmeter,
Serial No: AC-41-6
Bendix Aviation Corporation, Pioneer Instrument Division
Serial No: AC-41-6
Bendix Aviation Corporation, Pioneer Instrument Division
Condition
Good
Size and dimensions of this item
Approximate dims: 16" high x 12" wide x 10"
Date Period
WWII (1940-1944)
Weight
Approx 25 Lbs
History
Came from the estate of an aviation collector. Mounted on nice wood plaques for display.The "periscope" that comes out of the top and extends out of the bottom (outside of the plane) is no longer present, presumable removed to mount onto the wooden bases for display.
eBay Auction Link
Price Paid (If known)
N/A
For Sale?
Yes
Photos
