Gunsight
Item
Title
Gunsight
Description
GGS MK4E Gyro Gunsight 24 Volts Contained in a grey wooden case with a black leather handle on the lid. RCAF Serial No. 23837
Identifier
984.x.1318
Format
Provenance
The Reflector Gunsight MkII was the mainstay of the RAF fighter from 1941 until the gyro gunsights began to enter service in 1944. The sprocket wheels could be set to a desired range and wingspan (Base) and the pilot would then frame the target aircraft between the horizontal lines in the gunsight image. Gyro Gunsight Mk 4E The RAF gyro gunsight most used post war, before head-up displays got clever and started using high-luminosity CRTs, was the GGSMk4E, which was fitted to many post-war fighters (apart from night-fighters, which continued to use the GMII). The need for a protective rubber buffer had brought about a redesign which resulted in the Mk4E having its span dial inverted. Also, the lever that raised and lowered the tinted filter glass was moved to the left hand side of the sight and the mechanism improved so that the filter glass would lie flush against the sight top. The span dial now has an RP setting - this would be the position used for aiming at ground targets with Rocket Projectiles. (To be a successful fighter pilot in the 1940s and 1950s, a few spare bulbs in the pocket did not go amiss...)
Abstract
Excellent