The AN/ARN - 7 Radio Compass Indicator was the larger of two Indicator readouts for the AN/ARN-7 Automatic Radio Compass system which enabled an aircraft to navigate via homing in on a radio signal usually transmitted from the aircraft’s home base airfield and was the forerunner to the modern Radio Direction Finding (RDF) systems in operation throughout the world today.
The Radio Compass System generally consisted of a receiver mounted in the forward bomb bay; control boxes mounted at the copilot's and radio operator's stations; a relay to switch control from one box to the other; an automatic direction-finding loop antenna mounted on the fuselage above the bomb bay; a retractable whip antenna aft of the upper forward turret, and direction indicators on the pilot's instrument panel and the radio operator's table. The RDF system operated on a frequency range from 200-1750 kHz across 3 bands.
The tuner/receiver was operated by selecting the predetermined frequency in the transparent window and then rotating the tuning arm which rotated the loop antenna via a flexible shaft. As the broadcast station came into focus, a large sweep needle on the Radio Compass Indicator rotated to point at the compass heading of the signal. The pilot basically maintained that compass heading all the way home to base.
This AN/ARN-7 Radio Compass Indicator appears to be operational with the large dial freeling turning via the upper knob but would need checking and servicing. There is a very informative youtube video from a US radio collector demonstrating how this unit worked with all its components: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ujIPiCkjaM
This B-17 Flying Fortress Instrument comes complete with detailed Scale Model, Mango Wood Stand & Plaque plus Printed Fact Sheet featuring photo of instrument in aircraft cockpit.
This Sparks Worthington, US Army Signalling Corps B-17 ARN-7 Compass Indicator is in beautiful condition for its age and carries both manufacturing and Serial Number Plates on its back plus a production date of 1943 around its locking ring.
Your B-17 Flying Fortress ARN-7 Compass Indicator, Original Recovery Curios Warbird Collectable includes:
*An upgrade to the larger and more detailed 1/48 scale model is also available in the hand-built and airbrushed plastic version for an additional $80 (Click on the 1/48 scale option)
Both the 1/72 & 1/48 scale hand-built and airbrushed plastic models are available with 'wheels & flaps up or down' and 'canopy open or closed' options with a choice of two Squadron markings and camouflage.
Upon order placement you will receive an email asking for your preferred configuration.
Your complete Recovery Curios Original Instrument Collectable is securely packed and delivery normally takes between 3 - 4 weeks approx.
Did you fly, crew or maintain a B-17 Flying Fortress or have a friend, colleague or family member who did? Check out our PERSONALISED ORIGINAL INSTRUMENT COLLECTABLE OPTION here.