Description
K-14B Gyro Gunsight Selector-Dimmer Assembly, P/N 5582183, NSN 1270-00-486-7667
Item Overview
This original K-14B selector-dimmer assembly is the remote cockpit control for the Type K-14B gyro gunsight. It was manufactured by the AC Spark Plug Division of General Motors for the U.S. military. The pilot used this control box to select the desired gunsight reticle and adjust its brightness. It is not the optical gunsight, reflector glass, or lead-computing unit.
The selector provided three operating modes:
- FIXED: Displays the fixed reticle.
- FIXED & GYRO: Displays both the fixed and lead-computing gyro reticles.
- GYRO: Displays only the gyro reticle.
The dimmer rheostat adjusted reticle illumination from DIM to BRIGHT. A push-to-reset circuit breaker protected the electrical system.
Identification and Features
- Official designation: Sight, Fixed Gun, Gyro, Type K-14B—Selector-Dimmer
- Component type: Remote cockpit selector-dimmer control
- Drawing/part number: 5582183
- Period stock number: 5200-688944
- Later Federal Stock Number: 1270-486-7667
- National Stock Number: 1270-00-486-7667
- Manufacturer: AC Spark Plug Division, General Motors Corporation
- Manufacturing location: Flint, Michigan
- Contract: AF-33(600)-25329
- Specification: C-24955
- Date packed: January 1954
- Reticle selections: FIXED, FIXED & GYRO, and GYRO
- Illumination control: DIM to BRIGHT
- Electrical protection: Push-to-reset circuit breaker
The two-knob layout identifies the control as a K-14B assembly. The K-14A used a separate gyro-motor switch on the selector-dimmer panel. That switch was not needed with the K-14B because the aircraft’s battery-disconnect switch supplied power to the gyro.
The January 1954 date is the packing date.
Some examples carry a plate marked U.S. Army Air Forces. This was legacy wording that remained on the component after the independent U.S. Air Force was established in 1947.
Condition
This is original military-surplus aircraft equipment. Age-related finish wear, scratches, oxidation, stains, worn markings, cable damage, or storage marks may be present.
Operational condition has not been confirmed unless specifically stated on the product page. This historic assembly is sold as a collectible or display component and is not certified for installation in an airworthy aircraft.
This listing is for the selector-dimmer assembly and attached components shown in the product pictures. The K-14B optical gunsight, aircraft wiring, mounting hardware, and other cockpit equipment are not included unless pictured or specifically stated.
Historical Background
The K-14 was a lead-computing reflector gunsight developed for fighters armed with fixed forward-firing guns. It entered service during World War II and helped pilots aim at moving aircraft without estimating the full lead angle by eye.
The sight contained fixed and gyro optical systems. The fixed system projected a cross and ring onto the reflector glass. The gyro system produced a moving reticle that helped show the correct lead for a crossing target.
Before an engagement, the pilot set the sight for the target aircraft’s wingspan. A twist grip on the throttle adjusted the reticle to match the apparent size of the target. The sight then used range and aircraft movement to calculate the required lead. The 1954 F-51D handbook lists a computing range of approximately 200 to 800 yards.
The selector-dimmer assembly gave the pilot direct control over which reticles were visible. The FIXED & GYRO setting allowed the fixed aiming mark and moving gyro image to be viewed together. The dimmer control kept the projected image visible under changing daylight and cockpit conditions.
Documented K-14B applications include the F-51D and F-51H Mustang and early P-84/F-84 Thunderjet aircraft. The wider K-14 sight family was also used on the P-47N Thunderbolt.
Packed in January 1954, this assembly represents the early Cold War period when World War II-era fighters and first-generation jet aircraft were still part of the U.S. Air Force inventory.
Ideal For
- K-14B gunsight displays
- F-51D and F-51H Mustang restorations
- Early P-84 and F-84 Thunderjet exhibits
- P-47N and World War II fighter collections
- Korean War and early Cold War aviation displays
- Vintage cockpit-control collections
- Military museums and educational exhibits
- Aircraft instrument and fire-control research
Approx length 7.625", Approx width 3.375", Approx height 3.25", Approx weight 2.4lbs. Dimensions describe the control unit and exclude extended cables.
Pictures are stock images of our inventory. Unless otherwise noted, you will not be receiving the exact item shown in the pictures. The pictures are representative of the item's general condition. The item you receive might be slightly better, or worse, condition than was shown in the pictures.
Please visit our page about order lead times here: Order Lead Times