Bombsight [MK XIVA Computor]
Maker and role
Royal Air Force, Manufacturer
See full details
Object detail
Accession number
1981.498
Maker
Production period
Description
Bombsight MK XIVA Computor, a type of vector bombsight produced during World War Two. Ref. No. 9/4409, Serial No.261/53, 24 volts. This is a heavy metal unit with solid metal carry handles on the top. On the front panel is a series of control knobs to adjust wind speed and direction, altitude etc. On one side there are input screw attachments, labelled Static, Pitot, Supply and EXH.
Brief History
The Mark XIV bombsight was developed by the Royal Air Force (RAF) in 1939 and installed in RAF heavy bombers from 1942. It was designed to enable the run up to the target, when flying straight and level, to be restricted to a mere ten seconds and enable the pilot to carry out evasive manoeuvres on his approach to the target. It could be used to bomb both on the climb and the glide.
The bombsight consisted of a computer cabinet mounted to the left of the aircraft and a stabilised sighting head. The sight was one of the first practical uses for a mechanical computer.
This was the bombsight of choice for Bomber Command until the end of the war and beyond. Shortly after its entry into service, manufacture was subcontracted to the Sperry Gyroscope Company in America who, after re-engineering it to meet American standards, arranged for A.C. Spark Plug, a division of General Motors, to manufacture the bombsight in quantity. Known as the ‘T1’ version, a total of 23,000 were made for use by the RAF and Commonwealth air forces. In some respects, it was a mechanical improvement on the British manufactured bombsight but was fully compatible with it in every way.
The bombsight consisted of a computer cabinet mounted to the left of the aircraft and a stabilised sighting head. The sight was one of the first practical uses for a mechanical computer.
This was the bombsight of choice for Bomber Command until the end of the war and beyond. Shortly after its entry into service, manufacture was subcontracted to the Sperry Gyroscope Company in America who, after re-engineering it to meet American standards, arranged for A.C. Spark Plug, a division of General Motors, to manufacture the bombsight in quantity. Known as the ‘T1’ version, a total of 23,000 were made for use by the RAF and Commonwealth air forces. In some respects, it was a mechanical improvement on the British manufactured bombsight but was fully compatible with it in every way.
Marks
GYRO/A.E.M./R/ 6/59 / A.E.M.107 / A.E.M./R/ 3/60 Printed
BOMBSIGHT MK XIVA / COMPUTOR / REF. No.9/4409 / SERIAL No.261/53 / VOLTS 24 / INSTALLATION PORT Maker's Plate
MODIFICATION PLATE / MOD. No. / INST.D.21 / IN2800 Maker's Plate
BOMBSIGHT MK XIVA / COMPUTOR / REF. No.9/4409 / SERIAL No.261/53 / VOLTS 24 / INSTALLATION PORT Maker's Plate
MODIFICATION PLATE / MOD. No. / INST.D.21 / IN2800 Maker's Plate
Credit Line
Royal Air Force. Bombsight [MK XIVA Computor], 1981.498. The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT).
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