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US Navy Wind Indicator


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I bought a US Navy Wind Indicator made by the Friez Division Bendix Aviation. In doing some quick research, I found that that company in the 1930’s, developed the Aerovane used for aviation wind measurements because it most accurately measured wind speed and direction components critical to aircraft takeoff and landing decisions on U.S. Navy Aircraft Carriers. Its measurements technology was based on motor generators that produced a voltage proportionate to wind speed and servo motors that indicated wind direction. Further, An aerovane is a weather vane that is equipped with a propeller and is used to measure both wind speed and direction.

The instrument is not dated in a way I can decipher. It does not appear to be a WW II vintage item, likely 1950’s-‘60’s it seems to me.

A couple of questions: Would this particular device be the type used on US Aircraft carriers? Would it have been located on the bridge? I know many other ships carried aircraft, is this a standard device for any USN ship with aircraft? Any other info appreciated.

Thanks for looking.

BKW

post-1549-0-15253600-1472951541.jpg

 

post-1549-0-53421200-1472951573_thumb.jpg

 

One more photo to follow.

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Salvage Sailor

Aloha Brian,

 

That is a WWII/Korean War era wind indicator. Most of the later versions had two separate dials rather than one inside the other. These would be used aboard all types of aircraft carriers, including AVP seaplane carriers. The carriers would have more than one, usually in 'pri-fly'. (the flight control tower), the bridge, CIC/CDC, and sometimes on the signal bridge. They were also used on the larger survey ships (AGOS, AGS, etc) and on icebreakers and support ships assigned to arctic ops (DEWLINE, etc) and the Atomic tests in the Pacific. The later two-dial indicators were and are used on most every USN ship afloat.

 

I've attached a photo of the later two dial Bendix wind indicator.

Wind Indicator.jpeg

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post-1549-0-46867400-1473022081.jpg

 

Thank you Sir! Great info! Here is the photo I wasn't able to get to post last night. Do you think the "46" after the SN# is a date code?

In searching around, I did see a similar one marked for the USCG.

I guess I'm building a ship, one piece at a time, sort of like Johnny Cash or Radar!

BKW

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