Bombsight Reflex Type x-1 Sight

[Cincyrelics]

Please see attached photos. Any idea as to which aircraft this might have gone on? Is it WWII era based on Order Number / Serial No.? Thank you for your input.

 

[Wurger]

It is a late addition to basic bombsight M-9 Norden to assist the bombardier in finding the target from high altitudes in overcast skies. The one could be used for late B-17 or B-29 for instance.

the pic source: Maxson Corporation in World War Two

 

[Cincyrelics]

It is a late addition to basic bombsight M-9 Norden to assist the bombardier in finding the target from high altitudes in overcast skies. The one could be used for late B-17 or B-29 for instance.

View attachment 789134
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the pic source: Maxson Corporation in World War Two

Great, thank you very much.

 

[Wurger]

My pleasure.

 

[Cincyrelics]

Great, thank you very much.

Any idea as to when this might have been manufactured? Looking at the Order Number of w-33-038-ac-4995, I was wondering if the "49" after "AC-" stood for 1949? If so, I thought the "USAAF" name was changed to "USAF" in 1947? Given that the name plate on this item is "USAAF", I was thinking that this item was manufactured no later than 1947? Thanks again. Tom

 

[Wurger]

The Type X-1 could also be used for the B-24, B-25. Generally with all planes that had the M series of the bombsight. These sights were used throughout the final stages of World War II and in Korea in the 1950's. Judging by the net sources it was used from , at least , 1944. I have gathered the shots of the ID plates from the different X-1s found in the net. Although these are dated from 1944 ( s/n.1344 ) and then later , the Order Number seems to be the same for all of them. IMHO the most useful info can be the Bombsight Ser. No. because it is not for the X-1 one but of the Norden bombsight the X-1 worked with as memo serves. However your X-1 is of the s/n.2778 what places it fourth before the X-1 s/n. 2897 at the found ID plate list below. I'm not sure how many of the bombsights the W. L. Maxson Corp. could made per a year , let's say about 1400, so your device could be made about 1945 -1946 or in 1947 at the latest .

 

[Cincyrelics]

The Type X-1 could also be used for the B-24, B-25. Generally with all planes that had the M series of the bombsight. These sights were used throughout the final stages of World War II and in Korea in the 1950's. Judging by the net sources it was used from , at least , 1944. I have gathered the shots of the ID plates from the different X-1s found in the net. Although these are dated from 1944 ( s/n.1344 ) and then later , the Order Number seems to be the same for all of them. IMHO the most useful info can be the Bombsight Ser. No. because it is not for the X-1 one but of the Norden bombsight the X-1 worked with as memo serves. However your X-1 is of the s/n.2778 what places it fourth before the X-1 s/n. 2897 at the found ID plate list below. I'm not sure how many of the sights the W. L. Maxson Corp. could made per a year , let's say about 1400, so your device could be made about 1945 -1946 or in 1947 at the latest .

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Excellent information. I appreciate you taking the time to provide such a detailed, informative response. Thank you very much! Tom

 

[Wurger]

 

[Cincyrelics]

Excellent information. I appreciate you taking the time to provide such a detailed, informative response. Thank you very much! Tom

I forgot to provide the Bombsight Ser. No. on the plate. It is L10134. I just realized that it was not very visible in my photos. Sorry!

 

[Wurger]

OK. No problemo.

 

[Wurger]

I forgot to provide the Bombsight Ser. No. on the plate. It is L10134. I just realized that it was not very visible in my photos. Sorry!

I have had a look what could be found on the M9 of the L series in the net. Actually nothing has been found. Just a couple of shots ... I found the ID plates for the L-7556 and 9418. Also the L-9091. ALthough the L-9091 ID plate isn't readable fully because of the light glare but it looks like the Order No. is the same, 44-5107-P. All of them were made by the Lukas-Harold Corp. and were the M9B type.

The N and R series of the M9 were made be the Carl L. Norden Inc. under the Order No. 42-2458 and 44-4237.

 

[Cincyrelics]

I have had a look what could be found on the M9 of the L series in the net. Actually nothing has been found. Just a couple of shots ... I found the ID plates for the L-7556 and 9418. Also the L-9091. ALthough the L-9091 ID plate isn't readable fully because of the light glare but it looks like the Order No. is the same, 44-5107-P. All of them were made by the Lukas-Harold Corp. and were the M9B type.

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The N and R series of the M9 were made be the Carl L. Norden Inc. under the Order No. 42-2458 and 44-4237.

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Thank you again. This is great information for my documentation. I really do appreciate all of the time and input that you have given me. Thanks again. Tom.