| Accession Number | REL/16875 |
|---|---|
| Collection type | Technology |
| Object type | Aircraft component |
| Maker |
Henry Hughes & Sons Ltd |
| Place made | United Kingdom: England |
| Date made | 1942 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
Aircraft Landing Compass (England)
Description
Handheld magnetic compass type 06, AM REF 6A/0473, Serial number 16999H with wooden handle (with battery cavity for illumination) and sighting prism. The compass is painted dark grey and inscribed 2/42.
History / Summary
This is a handheld aircraft master compass or landing compass. The accuracy of compasses on board aircraft (as well as on ships and vehicles) is affected by the nearby presence of ferrous metal objects and electrical circuits. Ground staff would stand in a direct line with the aircraft's centreline, establish North, and use their reading to calibrate the aircraft's on board compass, compensating for the errors.