Hi ian,
That is a very good guess. However, engine timing on the big WW2 engines was not usually checked by a strobe. In fact, the DB600 series engines did not have crank / ignition timing marks in the normal way. The Merlin did have them, but they are hidden under the front in the crankcase and not easy to access. On the DB, you fit a timing disc on the front of the crank pinion and that is also awkward.
But strobe is a good answer, although not quite the full answer!
Cheers
So.
Snautzer-the Winner! Well done.
Yes, this is a German shutter-stroboscope, specifically a propeller strobe. It is used to get a very accurate check of prop speed and hence, engine rpm. This is important because accurate rpm is essential for testing and setting the large aero engines. So, when testing and setting or fault finding, one of the first things to do is an accurate rpm/tacho check. On the DB 605, you needed the cockpit tacho to be accurate to about 20rpm at about 2,500rpm. If the tacho was worse than the spec, it would be changed and sent for recalibration.
Spot-on accurate rpm was required for adjusting the mechanical fuel injection system. In the picture below, you should see the Daimler-Benz Inspector-Engineer in the white coat. He is setting and calibrating the fuel injection system on a Bf 109 G-6AS. The pipes are connected into series with the engine fuel system just before the Kraftsoff Forderpumpe and he will check and record the fuel flows on that flow rig with the engine at various settings, using the Stroboscope to spot-on measure the rpm. The figures will then give him the adjustment for the fuel injection pump. These tests were normally done on the engine testbed after new build or rebuild. However, an aircraft with a fault or performance problem would be tested and adjusted in this way. This test is seen being done in the summer 1944. Picture from Hurricane/Messerschmitt by Bowyer and Van Ishoven.
Cheers
Thanks to everyone contributing! If you are just watching, why not join in with a comment!
So, Now for something completely different! Usual rules, WW2, Aircraft part, could be British, German or American, please bid or ask questions.
The clue for this one is that it weighs 15lb.
Cheers
I left for a few hours... guy got to eat shave and... those things.
So..... mass balance allied. Humm... what with that cut out? Seems it was fitted to something. Smells a bit p-38 for some unknown reason.