German aircraft catapults

[pb43]

Anybody any info on German aircraft catapults some pics attached. These seem to show a Ju88 mounted on a catapult / take-off assister.


(if anybody wants the originals they are up for sale on e-bay - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/31491787...RU&osub=-1~1&crd=20231107052119&segname=11021

or search for Orig. WW2 photo album Luftwaffe plane airfield EVREUX NORMANDY France TOP

 

[pinehilljoe]

Is that a turntable mount to calibrate the compass?

 

[pb43]

Is that a turntable mount to calibrate the compass?

Entirely possible, but why go to all that trouble when you can push the tail round by hand.

 

[Snautzer01]

Its a compas swing.

https://www.uschivdr.com/products-in-detail/luftwaffe-compass-swing/

 

[MiTasol]

Entirely possible, but why go to all that trouble when you can push the tail round by hand.

Because all the old style compasses, and many modern ones as well, need to be in flight position to rotate freely. With the tail on the ground they lock up