Type O.2

Liquid compass
Bowl: Brass painted grey. Glazed. Fill hole on side. Contained in outside holder. Has azimuth circle. At aft of bowl is slit of 60 degs arc for turning bowl on central axis; this can be secured by wing nut. White lubber line on outside of bowl at front. Tripod attachment at base to fit into brass holder, secured by screw spindle. This holds compartments for compensating rods. White inside with black lubber spike.
Card: Small mica card, hollow at centre, has black float at centre. White with black markings graduated to 360 degrees and 4 cardinal points. Eight radial damper arms come off outer rim of card.
Needle: Four needles slung beneath card. Length 1.5" (3.8cm)
Pivot: Unsighted
Azimuth Circle: Has sights, securing arm and bubble level attached. Movable prismatic sights with hinged jet reflector panel in front. V and nipple line up. Two circular filters. Complete sight can be moved sideways across 60 degs by screw mechanism.
Base plate has three bolt holes and vernier. On ACO stand. O.A. height 10" (25.5cm)

Object Details

ID: ACO0350
Type: Liquid compass - aircraft
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Air Ministry
Date made: 1927
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, Admiralty Compass Observatory
Measurements: Overall: 250 mm; Diameter: 160 mm