Clockwork sun compass - aircraft

Clockwork sun compass

The base is supported on a ball and socket joint and there is a central bubble level. The bearing plate has a central clamp and an index at the after side with a second moveable index to allow course and bearings to be read off magnetic. On the bearing plate are fixed sights for taking relative bearings and support for the clockdial trunnions.
By one trunnion is a latitude quadrant, with scales and indices for N & S latitude. The dial plate can be turned to allow for longitude. The dial plate is a clock face with a minute hand and a perspex style which takes the place of an hour hand. This style consists of a perpendicular portion of of a cylinder throwing a line of light onto the base target plate, covered by a perspex dome.
Levelling is accomplished by adjusting the length of one of three shock-mounted supports. The bearing dial is graduated on its edge and rotated by worm and worm-wheel. The perspex style has a perpendicular as well as a base target plate.

In a leather carrying case 7.8" x 5.25" x 5.0" (20 cm x 13.3 cm x 12.7 cm)

Object Details

ID: ACO0596
Type: Clockwork sun compass - aircraft
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Unknown
Date made: circa 1945
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, Admiralty Compass Observatory
Measurements: Overall: 205 mm x 125 mm x 120 mm
Parts: Clockwork sun compass - aircraft