What exactly is a US Navy MK. 8 GYROSCOPIC Gunsight?

[harrison987]

Hey guys,

Recently found one, yet, I can find NO info on it anywhere.

It looks 100% identical to the K-14 Gyroscopic Sight used on the P-51, but is clearly for Navy use.

Someone is selling one here, but again, no really info as to what aircraft it would have been used in:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/126651179724

Anyone know?

TIA

Mike

[Buckeye30]

Hi Mike. I think George will have more on this but as I see it the Navy version was a Mk.18; the various parts had Mark numbers and serials (Mk.8 was the sight unit, Mk.22 gyro motor, Mk.17 range dial). There were differences with K-14 (USAAF) regarding dials etc. The "turret" version was for PBMs, PVs, PB4Ys and others. Both developments of British gyro sights. There was a Navy Mk.21 but I THINK they went to AAF for fighters.
Nick

[twocee]

The Mark 8 was the standard Navy WWII sight, used on such types as the Hellcat, Corsair, Helldiver and Avenger. Later in the War it began to be replaced, at least in the fighters, by the Mark 23 lead computing sight.

[Buckeye30]

Thanks George, a bit too complicated for me.
Nick