Compass [Astro Mk II]
Maker and role
Sperti Inc., Manufacturer
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Object detail
Accession number
2006.415
Maker
Description
A black and silver metal and plastic compass with wooden carry case. Compass stands on three metal legs, khaki painted case with long brown canvas strap, painted on side in white and red pigment is 'ASTRO COMPASS MK II' and 'DELICATE INSTRUMENT TO BE HANDLED WITH GREAT CARE'. On interior lid of case are instructions printed on paper and attached describing handling of compass. Green felt padding in case and brass brackets.
Compass used by pointing to a known star (that includes the Sun) and then will indicate true North.The Mk II Astro Compass was not aircraft type specific instead operating as standard equipment on any large Bomber or Transport aircraft of the time. The standardisation of instrumentation meant that all aircrew training could thus also be standardised.
Compass used by pointing to a known star (that includes the Sun) and then will indicate true North.The Mk II Astro Compass was not aircraft type specific instead operating as standard equipment on any large Bomber or Transport aircraft of the time. The standardisation of instrumentation meant that all aircrew training could thus also be standardised.
Brief History
The manual Astro-Compass is a device which is operated by being pointed to a known star (including the Sun) in order to establish true North.
A typical version is the Astro-Compass MK II, Sperti, Inc., Cincinnati, Ohio.
A typical version is the Astro-Compass MK II, Sperti, Inc., Cincinnati, Ohio.
Marks
ASTRO COMPASS MK. II. / DELICATE INSTRUMENT / TO BE HANDLED WITH / GREAT CARE Painted
A M / ASTRO COMPASS MK II / REF. 6A/11740 / 4. C. Impressed
A M / ASTRO COMPASS MK II / REF. 6A/11740 / 4. C. Impressed
Media/Materials
Credit Line
Sperti Inc.. Compass [Astro Mk II], 2006.415. The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT).
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