Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice U.S. Army Air Forces A-5 Automatic Pilot Gyro Control, originally designed by Sperry Gyroscope. This design was the first truly all electronic automatic pilot in use. These were used in Bombers such as the PBY and B-17.
The gyro scope unit would be attached to the auto pilot unit, which also had a separate control panel used to control the entire system. The gyroscope was somewhat delicate and required a lot more calibration than the rest of the system, so it was made to be easily removable and transportable. We did open the cover, and the gyroscope mechanism is still inside. As these were mechanical devices, maintaining a proper operating temperature was very important, as lubricants could freeze up, and calibrations would be off due to temperature variation.
The gyroscope unit looks to be in good shape, and still has the original plastic cover on the end, where it interfaces with the rest of the auto pilot. It has a plastic cover on the electronic connector as well. There are two data plates on the unit, and the left most one reads:
DIRECTIONAL GYRO
PART NO. 656029
MFD. BY A C SPARK PLUG DIV.
GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION
UNDER LICENSE OF
SPERRY GYROSCOPE CO. INC.
There is a second data plate to the right of this:
A-5 AUTOMATIC PILOT
AIR FORCES U.S. ARMY
SPEC. NO. 94-27358
ORDER NO. AC - 24040
SERIAL NO. AF 43- 05553
INSP. NO.
This would indicate that the original order for these originated in 1941, when the USAAF was still known as the Air Corps. The serial number indicates 1943 production, and while there is no inspector number, there are inspector stamps on the housing of the automatic pilot unit. It measures approximately 10" x 8" x 8 1/2". Condition looks to be very good, however we have no way of testing for functionality. It is being sold as a display item only.
It comes complete with an original TYPE A-3 Electrically Heated Cover for the Autopilot unit, as well as the manual on how to properly connect it and cover the Gyro correctly. It is in good condition, though there is a bit of tearing at one of the seams on the removable end cover. It still has the original label on the inside indicating the maker and contract information
A great chance to own a piece of military history. Ready to display!
- This product is available for international shipping.
- Eligible for all payments - Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, Paypal & Sezzle
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