Lot # 150 - Master Indicator, Type N-1 Compass System

Opening Bid : $ 5.00
Pickup Instructions:
Start Date/Time: 19-Mar-2025 7:00:00 AM
End Date/Time: 26-Mar-2025 9:29:00 PM
Current bid:

$9.00

Highest bidder:

BD71

This sale will end in:
Bid for this item !

Description :

This is a Master Indicator used in the N-1 Compass System, a remote-indicating, gyro-stabilized navigation system employed by the U.S. Air Force during the 1950s and 1960s. 

The N-1 Compass System was designed for all-latitude operation, making it a cutting-edge navigation tool at the time.


Aircraft Usage:

The N-1 system was installed at the navigator's station and was commonly used in the following U.S. Air Force aircraft:

  • B-52 Stratofortress (early models) – Strategic bomber
  • C-130 Hercules – Military transport aircraft
  • KC-135 Stratotanker – Aerial refueling tanker

System Features:

  • Remote-Indicating: Displays directional information from a remotely located sensor.
  • Gyro-Stabilized: Uses a gyroscope to provide stable and accurate readings.
  • All-Latitude Operation: Unlike standard magnetic compasses, the N-1 could function effectively at any latitude, improving navigational reliability in polar regions.


Historical Reference:

The KC-135 Flight Manual (1966 edition) includes an illustration of the N-1 Indicator, showing its design and integration within the aircraft's navigation system.

This instrument represents a significant advancement in mid-20th-century aviation technology, aiding in precise navigation for long-range military operations.


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Auction History

Highest bidder is BD71

Date Bid User
20-Mar-2025 4:49:35 PM $9.00 BD71
19-Mar-2025 12:19:48 PM $5.00 Cottage8032

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