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GETTING YOUR BEARINGS


While we wait for news from ABRO on the restoration progress I thought we might take a look at one of the more unusual fittings that has survived in Tiger 131.
This is a directional gyroscope; more commonly but misleading called a gyro-compass.


It is not a compass because it does not indicate north but once set, with the aid of a magnetic compass, and with an electrically powered gyroscope to keep it on station it will give the driver a reading on a pre-set bearing.



Tank Museum photo No. 2653/B/1
Tank Museum photo No. 2653/B/1

Tank Museum photo No. 2931/A/4
Tank Museum photo No. 2931/A/4


That these exotic items were not restricted to heavy tanks such as the Tiger is illustrated by this view of one installed in a Panzer III.

In fact they were available for most German AFVs that had the mounting and electrical connection.
Here is the installation in Tiger 131, lacking the electrical connection as you see.

It is on the sponson just to the left of the driver but in his line of sight.

Ignore the fitting above the gyro, it is part of the modern fire-suppression system.


Tank Museum photo No. 5903/E/2
Tank Museum photo No. 5903/E/2




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