Flight Instrument [Course and Speed Calculator]
Maker and role
Hall Telephone Accessories (1928), Manufacturer
See full details
Object detail
Accession number
2005.84.9
Description
Course and Speed Calculator - Mk IIA. Flight computer from World War II - for working out the flight course and mainly used by bombers. Cliff Tait bought this computer just before going on his world trip. It was designed to be used on faster planes than the Airtourer. The computer is made up of metal and plastic. It consists of a circular scale on top with a plastic rule in the centre calibrated from 30 ~ 360 (air speed in MPH) in black on the left side, and 30 ~ 310 (air speed in Knots) in red on the right. On the rear is another circular scale. The outer rotating scale reads in "Distance-Miles". The inner stationary scale reads "Time-Minutes".
Brief History
This course and speed calculator or 'computer' was used by Cliff Tait during his round the world flight in 1969 using an Aero Engine Services Limited (AESL) Airtourer single-engined aircraft. Cliff Tait carried out the flight to promote New Zealand and the NZ-built Airtourer to the world. Leaving Hamilton on 12 May 1969, he made the 30,500 mile (49,084 km) trip in 284 hours. Despite a range of challenges along the way, he returned safely to Hamilton on 1 August 1969. Tait made history as the first person to circumnavigate the globe in a New Zealand built aircraft, and probably the first in a single engine aircraft of this small size.
Marks
New Zealand Royal Air Force Per Adrua Ad Astra Printed
TIME - MINUTES / COURSE & SPEED CALCULATOR / MK IIA. / HTA (1928) LTD / 30/4 / A.M / 6B/125 / No I.R.D. Engraved
EAH Engraved
TIME - MINUTES / COURSE & SPEED CALCULATOR / MK IIA. / HTA (1928) LTD / 30/4 / A.M / 6B/125 / No I.R.D. Engraved
EAH Engraved
Media/Materials
Collection
Credit Line
Hall Telephone Accessories (1928). Flight Instrument [Course and Speed Calculator], 2005.84.9. The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT).
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