Item Description
Original Item. Only One Available. The Link Trainer, aka Blue Box or Pilot Trainer, was the world’s first commercially built flight simulator. It was designed and built by Edin Albert Link in the 1930s and was based on revolutionary techniques and equipment pioneered by Edward in the late 1920s. It is estimated that no less than 500,000 new and experienced U.S. pilots were training on Link flight simulators, many at the Naval Air Station Fort Lauderdale. The ANT-18 featured rotation through all three axes, effectively simulated all flight instruments and modeled common conditions such as pre-stall buffet, overspeed of the retractable undercarriage, and spinning. It was fitted with a removable opaque canopy, which could be used to simulate blind flying, and was particularly useful for instrument and navigation training.
Due to the size and nature of this item, it is unfortunately unavailable for export.
This is a fantastic example of a Blue Box Pilot Trainer Model ANT-18, for Army Navy Trainer Model 18, specification NAV. BIT-45. The data plate below the cockpit reads:
INSTRUMENT TRAINER FUSELAGE
SPECIFICATION NAV. BIT-45
SERIAL NO. 1982 US (NAVY ANCHOR)
CONTRACT NO. NOAS 6025
MFRS. PART NO. 9332-46903
LINK AVIATION DEVICES INC.
U.S. NAVY (620)
005703
These simulators became famous during World War II, when they were used as key pilot training aids by most combatant nations. Trainers built from 1934 up to the early 1940s had a color scheme that featured a bright blue fuselage with yellow wings and tail sections. These wings and tail sections had control surfaces that actually moved in response to the pilot’s movement of the stick and rudder. The second and most prolific version of the Link Trainer, like this example, was the ANT-18 (Army/Navy Trainer model 18), which was in its turn, a slightly enhanced version of the model C3. It was used by many countries for pilot training before and during the Second World War. This example had the yellow wings and tails removed due to the war effort requiring faster production.
This ANT-18 measures roughly 96” Long x 58” Wide x 98” High and is in great shape for its age, however we have not attempted to get it to work and it would likely take a lot of time to get working properly. The sliding canopy is in fair shape and the seat is still functional. There is a headset still plugged in but it likely won’t work. There is a tag on the interior above the front gauges with the serial number, 51982. There is a turbine underneath with a switch although one of the wires appears cut. This would be a fantastic restoration project. The wood is in fair shape overall but there are some areas with damage, with a sizable chunk dinged in on the back. The entire mount still rotates well and as intended. The gauges all appear to be in working order without any cracks or damage that we can see. This model was given many more details than the previous model, including landing gear and fuel exchange simulation.
This is a phenomenal piece of aviation history from World War II, ready for restoration and display.
Curbside truck freight is included with purchase for locations within the US 48 states.
- This product is available for international shipping.
- Eligible for all payments - Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, Paypal & Sezzle
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