Description
You are bidding on an EXTREMELY RARE example of a late 1940s US Army Aircraft NAFFARS Rocket Computing Gunsight Assembly (Sight + Computer)! This gunsight was used SPECIFICALLY in the F-86D “Sabre Dog” All-Weather Interceptor!
Produced by the AC Spark Plug Division of General Motors under U.S. Government contract for the North American F-86D all-weather interceptor program, this was designed and produced between 1949 – 1952. Equipped in the F-86D “Sabre Dog” and early radar-equipped Sabre variants, this gunsight was closely related in design to the WWII K-14A but was modified for jet-era ballistics and automatic rocket computation. This system represented a transitional technology between the WWII-era K-14 gyro sight and the later radar-assisted A-4 and A-1C lead-computing systems used in early jets. The F-86D’s rocket-firing fire-control system calculated gyro lead and range data mechanically, allowing for unguided-rocket salvos with surprising accuracy for its time. Very few of these complete assemblies survive, as most were stripped or destroyed when the aircraft were decommissioned.
Made of Steel, Aluminum, and Glass, this is a museum-grade component of post-war aviation history – bridging the analog and early radar ages. Comprising of both the optical gunsight head and the analog computing base, each retains the original data plates and factory markings, including the NAFFARS (North American Fire and Flight Automatic Rocket System) designation. Some marks and wear throughout, but that is expected, due to the age. The sight and computer remain mounted together exactly as removed from service. The internal reticles are visible when back-lit and show the correct rocket pattern. The unit appears complete, showing no evidence of tampering or disassembly (some marks on the screws). From what I can tell, only the external reflector glass and wiring harness are absent (both can be obtained by the winning bidder), as well as the desiccant container. All other hardware, plates, and housings remain original. The daaa plates indicate:
SIGHT ROCKET COMPUTING NAFFARS
NAA EQUIP. SPEC. NO NA57-331A
MFR’S SERIAL NO 448
A.C. SPARK PLUG DIV / GENERAL MOTORS CORP / FLINT, MICH
PROPERTY OF U.S. GOVERNMENT
Produced by the AC Spark Plug Division of General Motors under U.S. Government contract for the North American F-86D all-weather interceptor program, this was designed and produced between 1949 – 1952. Equipped in the F-86D “Sabre Dog” and early radar-equipped Sabre variants, this gunsight was closely related in design to the WWII K-14A but was modified for jet-era ballistics and automatic rocket computation. This system represented a transitional technology between the WWII-era K-14 gyro sight and the later radar-assisted A-4 and A-1C lead-computing systems used in early jets. The F-86D’s rocket-firing fire-control system calculated gyro lead and range data mechanically, allowing for unguided-rocket salvos with surprising accuracy for its time. Very few of these complete assemblies survive, as most were stripped or destroyed when the aircraft were decommissioned.
Made of Steel, Aluminum, and Glass, this is a museum-grade component of post-war aviation history – bridging the analog and early radar ages. Comprising of both the optical gunsight head and the analog computing base, each retains the original data plates and factory markings, including the NAFFARS (North American Fire and Flight Automatic Rocket System) designation. Some marks and wear throughout, but that is expected, due to the age. The sight and computer remain mounted together exactly as removed from service. The internal reticles are visible when back-lit and show the correct rocket pattern. The unit appears complete, showing no evidence of tampering or disassembly (some marks on the screws). From what I can tell, only the external reflector glass and wiring harness are absent (both can be obtained by the winning bidder), as well as the desiccant container. All other hardware, plates, and housings remain original. The daaa plates indicate:
SIGHT ROCKET COMPUTING NAFFARS
NAA EQUIP. SPEC. NO NA57-331A
MFR’S SERIAL NO 448
A.C. SPARK PLUG DIV / GENERAL MOTORS CORP / FLINT, MICH
PROPERTY OF U.S. GOVERNMENT
COMPUTER NAFFARS
NAA EQUIP. SPEC. NO NA51-831L
MFR’S SERIAL NO 419 (possibly 449)
A.C. SPARK PLUG DIV / GENERAL MOTORS CORP / FLINT, MICH
PROPERTY OF U.S. GOVERNMENT
Features numerous F-86 Part Numbers stamped throughout, including: 201-69103 & 201-69111, which are specific to the F-86D. The adjustment knob on the side is stuck, but that would just need lubrication. Some dirt/dust in side the bulb assembly, but otherwise SUPERB! NAFFARS gunsight assemblies are virtually unobtainable today, as few were ever released to the public. I have shown its location in the last photos. Would make an EXCELLENT addition to any collection, display, or simply as a conversation piece!
