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

[harrison987]

Originally Posted by 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.

Hi George!

Yup! Buuuuuuuut I am referring to the GYROSCOPIC / COMPUTING Mk. 8, that looks like a Mk.18. See the link above. .

Which is why this Mk.18 (marked as a Mk. 8) is confusing.

Hey Nick....

I agree with the component breakdown you mention, however all Mk. 18 that I have seen were marked as such on that main plate. What I am seeing, however, is that the Mk.8 Gyroscopic sight shown does not the mounting lugs for the flip up/down tinted glass.

I wonder if those marked as "Mk. 8" were for more specific use, without the tinted glass being present?

Further thoughts?

TIA

Mike

[twocee]

It seems that the Mark 18 gunsight was for use with turret guns, such as installed in the Mariner and Privateer. It was not related to the Mark 8 and was adapted from a British lead computing design. I have found the following in a BuOrd history:

"In October 1942 the Bureau of Ordnance decided to accept the British equipment and use it as the basis for a turret gun sight designated the Mark 18. Unfortunately, the problems of adaptation were greater than they first appeared. Several hundred changes were required.....".

Once the design was finalised, large orders were also placed by the Army, which went on to modify it for use in its fighters, as the Mark 21. Further improvements led to the Navy's Mark 23.

That about exhausts my knowledge of the subject!