SHORT STIRLING, AIR MINISTRY BOMB SELECTOR CONTROL PANEL

SHORT STIRLING, AIR MINISTRY BOMB SELECTOR CONTROL PANEL
SHORT STIRLING, AIR MINISTRY BOMB SELECTOR CONTROL PANEL SHORT STIRLING, AIR MINISTRY BOMB SELECTOR CONTROL PANEL SHORT STIRLING, AIR MINISTRY BOMB SELECTOR CONTROL PANEL SHORT STIRLING, AIR MINISTRY BOMB SELECTOR CONTROL PANEL
$980.00
Add 1/48 SUPER SCALE, CUSTOM BUILT SHORT STIRLING UPGRADE for just $125.00
Add PERSONALISED COLLECTABLE OPTION for just $90.00
In Stock SKU: 2748

Early Air Ministry AM & Crown stamped Type 5D/655 Bomb Selector Control Panel

The Short Stirling was the first four-engined heavy bomber to enter service with the RAF and with its 4687 kg bomb load its ordinance carrying capacity, it far outstripped any comparable heavy bomber of the day. 

With such a heavy bomb load, ensuring the aircraft maintained stable flight upon bomb release was not an easy task.

Mounted just in front of the Stirling’s Bomb Distributor Timer Switch on the starboard wall of the bomb aimer’s position, the Type F5D/655 Bomb Selector Control Panel enabled the bomb aimer to pre-select the 16-station bomb release sequence of the varied ordinance over the target and which bombs would be released.

This enabled the crew to hold some ordinance in reserve if they had a designated secondary target.

The Type F5D/655 was just one of three Bomb Control Units that enabled the bomb aimer to not only predetermine which bombs would be released, but also their timing intervals, whilst also ensuring that the sequence of release did not destabilise the aircraft’s flight characteristics during the attack. 

Carrying a bomb load weighing almost almost as much as the aircraft’s total unloaded weight meant that, without a balanced drop the Short Stirling could suddenly find its nose pitched violently upwards, hurtling it into the path of another aircraft in the bomber stream. 

With its Air Ministry AM & Crown markings, this is a rare piece of RAF aviation history with all switches operational and the hinged, drop-down panel revealing the complete wiring for the unit. It also comes complete with its chain attached, removable Arming Safety Cover and original rotating 'Dial In' Arming Programs'

* Please note that this original Recovery Curios Aircraft Display is also available in a Super Detailed, Large Scale 1/48 version with some astounding and simply awesome detail. Click on the 1/48 Scale Model Option' at the top of this page to order.

This Short Stirling Instrument comes complete with detailed Scale Model, Mango Wood Stand & Plaque plus Printed Fact Sheet featuring photo of instrument in the aircraft cockpit.

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Your Air Ministry stamped Short Stirling Type 5D/655 Bomb Selector Control Panel, Original Recovery Curios Warbird Collectable includes:

  • Original Warbird instrument
  • Highly detailed hand-built and airbrushed 1/72 plastic scale model of the aircraft,*
  • Hand-crafted and beautifully finished 100yr, Far North Queensland Mango Wood display stand
  • Detailed, 2-sided, printed and laminated Instrument Fact Sheet detailing aircraft and instrument
  • Removable Magnetic Display Arm

*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 $125 (Click on the 1/48 scale option)

Both the 1/72 & 1/48 scale hand-built and airbrushed plastic models are available with 'canopy open or closed' options, landing gear 'up or down' 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 6 - 8 weeks approx.

Did you fly, crew or maintain a Short Stirling or have a friend, colleague or family member who did? Check out our PERSONALISED ORIGINAL INSTRUMENT COLLECTABLE OPTION here.