WW2 US Army Air Force – SPERRY S-1 BOMBSIGHT – B-24 LIBERATOR BOMBER – SUPERIOR TO NORDEN – VERY RARE!

Description

You are bidding on a STUNNING and EXTRAORDINARILY RARE & CRATED example of a WW2 United States Army Air Force Sperry S-1 Bombsight. The FIRST Bombsight in service with the United States, it was considered superior to the Norden, but due to politics, was phased out in 1943. Used specifically on the early Consolidated B-24 Liberator!

The first bombsight accepted by the U.S. Government was the Sperry S-1 that was developed in the 1930’s. It was designated as standard equipment in March 1941 and was used in some U.S. Army Air Forces bombers early in World War II, primarily B-24 Liberators. However, all contracts for production of the Sperry sight were canceled in late 1943. Many claim that the Sperry S-1 was a superior design to the Norden and clearly politics were involved in the procurement decisions.

Designed by Elmer Sperry, Carl Norden’s former employer, it had several distinctions from the Norden, and some advantages. The Sperry gyroscopes spun at 24,000 rpm, compared to the Norden gyros which ran at approximately 8,000 rpm. This higher rate of rotation overcame the tendency to precess, so there was no leveling mechanism needed, or a requirement for leveling bubbles. In addition, the gyros ran off of induction rather than brushes; the carbon brushes in the Norden gyros tended to produce dust which fouled the bearings. The Sperry ran off of 110V AC current compared to the 26V DC current used by the Norden. Whereas the Norden had all of its controls mounted on the right, the Sperry had the knobs for range located on the left and for azimuth located on the right, so that the bombardier could use both hands to adjust them simultaneously.

The Norden used a manual geared system to correct for crosswind and drift, but the Sperry did this electro-mechanically. The Navy would not allow the Norden to be exported, but did allow the Sperry to go to other countries such as England. The B-24 Liberator was being sent overseas (as the LB-30), and the Sperry was allowed to go with it. This led to a natural pairing of the S-1 and B-24, so almost all of the Sperry S-1’s were in B-24 ‘s.
Approximately 5,000 S-1’s were made, but the Norden dominated the bombsight market, and production of the S-1 ceased in 1943.
Sadly, after millions of dollars had been invested in the Sperry, and placing it in all the planes, the contracts (due to politics)were suspended and canceled. Because of its short life-span in military use, the Sperry bombsight is a rare and prized collectible among war enthusiasts.

Made of brass, aluminum, and steel with an black crackle-paint finish, this Sperry S-1 Bombsight is in AMAZING unused condition! Dated 1941, it comes complete in the original steel transportation/storage crate and rack! It is 100% COMPLETE, and still retains 98% of it’s original paint and finish, with NO damage or corrosion! It is 100% mechanically functional, however, I have not rested it electrically, so I am selling as-is. The data labels are intact, and clearly indicate:

SPERRY GYROSCOPE COMPANY INC.
BROOKLYN, NY
BOMBSIGHT
TYPE S-1
AC-41-1055

Some slight marks and wear, due to the age, but nothing that detracts. The cross hair is still clear, and the focus works 100% correctly, however but the view is a bit foggy/hazy due to the age. A few dust particles, but those could be cleaned-up if one wished. The protective canvas cover is also original to this Bombsight, and features a MATCHING serial number painted on the outside. Comes complete in the original steel storage crate. The crate appears to take a light bulb internally, which from what I understand was used to keep the Bombsight warm while in storage. Missing the front cover, but complete otherwise. A SUPERB example, and RARELY seen on the market, it would make a PERFECT addition to any collection or display!

Please note that this is a VERY HEAVY item. As such, shipping costs could exceed $400, depending on the buyer location.