You are bidding on and EXTRAORDINARILY RARE example of a WW2 German Luftwaffe Lotfe 7D Gyroscopic Bomb Sight! This sight was specifically used in the later stages of the war, specifically on the Ar234, Fw200, and Ju88!!
The Carl Zeiss Lotfernrohr 7 (Lot meant “Vertical” and Fernrohr meant “Telescope”), or Lotfe 7, was the primary series of bombsights used in most Luftwaffe level bombers, similar to the United States’ Norden bombsight, but much simpler to operate and maintain. Several models were produced and eventually completely replaced the simpler Lotfernrohr 3 and BZG 2 bombsights. The Lotfe 7C, appearing in January 1941, was the first one to have gyroscopic stabilization.
The Norden consisted of two primary parts, the optical system, and a large stabilization platform. Both were complex and had to be separately maintained to keep them operational.
In the Lotfe 7, a similar set of gyroscopes to that of the Norden, provided a stabilized platform for the bombardier to sight through, although the more complex interaction between the bombsight and autopilot of the Norden was not used. The Lotfe 7 was dramatically simpler, consisting of a single metal box containing the vast majority of the mechanism, with a tube (Rohr) extending out the bottom with a mirror that reflected the image of the target into a small telescope in the box. The mechanisms within combined the functions of the Norden’s stabilizer and optics, moving the mirror to stabilize the image as well as tracking the target. The controls were likewise much simpler than the Nordens’, consisting primarily of three large knurled knobs to adjust aim
Operation was fairly similar to the Norden. The bombardier would first locate the target in the bombsight and continue to adjust the dials until it remained motionless in the eyepiece. This allowed the bombsight to calculate the wind speed from the cancelled out drift rate, which in turn allowed to make an accurate calculation of groundspeed. Unlike the Norden, the Lotfe 7 could view targets directly in front of the aircraft, so the bombardier could use the real target for adjustments, rather than having to “tune” the instruments on a test target located closer to the aircraft. The bombsight could be used against targets 90° to 40° in front of the aircraft, and up to 20° on either side. On final approach, the autopilot was engaged, while the bombsight adjusted the flight path in response to last-minute changes by the bombardier. Bomb release was normally automatic in order to reduce timing errors.
The Lotfe 7 was normally installed near the nose of the aircraft with the mirror tube projecting through the fuselage to the outside of the aircraft. In most installations, like those in the Junkers Ju 88 or Heinkel He 111, the tube ended in a fairing under the fuselage with a protruding flat window in front. In other cases, like the Arado Ar 234 or the prototype bomber conversions of the Messerschmitt Me 262, the tube was open to the air, mounted so the mirror window was almost flush with the fuselage line. In the case of the single-seat Ar 234, the bombsight was difficult to access, so the autopilot was engaged first, allowing the pilot to remove the control yoke and access the bombsight.
Made of solid brass, aluminum, and steel, this Lotfe 7D bombing sight in is in AMAZING used condition! Produced around 1944, it retains approx. 95% of it’s original paint and finish, however there are some marks and scratches due to the age. All data information is also clearly legible! It is 100% COMPLETE, with no damage, however, I have not been able to test it electrically, so I do not know if it is electrically functional. The optics are VERY CLEAR with almost NO spotting or haziness (please note that the yellow tint shown in the photos is just from the surrounding lighting). Comes complete with original data cards that slip in the top pocket (one is cracked/broken)…as well as the original fold out card manual that was kept at the bombardiers position! I have indicated it’s location in the last photos. RARELY seen on the market, this is EASILY the nicest one I have ever seen! Would make a PERFECT addition to any collection or display!
Please email me if you need additional photos or information.
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Payment should be made within 7 business days at the end of the auction unless buyer contacts me for other arrangements. I accept all forms of payment.
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My goal is to ship within 7 days from auction end. However, depending on circumstances, it may take up to an additional 1 week from receipt of confirmed payment. If you need it shipped sooner, please let me know and I will do our best to accommodate.
——————- TERMS OF SALE —————–
Most of my items are vintage, and as such are AS-IS, so you must therefore expect a degree of wear due to age and/or usage. I will describe each auction to the best of my knowledge and take as many photos necessary to ensure you are pleased upon receiving your item. All sales are final, so please make sure your questions are answered to your satisfaction before you purchase.
——————- ABOUT ME —————–
Although my passion is the Me109, I do offer many other German Aircraft (Fw190, Me262, etc.), as well as USAF and Japanese items. Occasionally I do offer many non-vintage items such as prints and art relating to the time period. As a private collector myself, I am constantly on the lookout for historical memorabilia, authentic photographs, artwork or anything unique relating to military aircraft.
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All pictures and descriptions used in my auctions under COPYRIGHT and I forbid the use of these photos and information in any manner such as paper or electronic (internet) publications or otherwise. Use is solely based on my authorization only. |
