Description
WWII U.S. Army Air Forces Type B-7 Norden Bombsight Mount, Lovell Mfg. Co., Serial No. 19264 - New/Old Stock in Original Box - Only 1 Available
Item Overview
This WWII U.S. Army Air Forces Type B-7 bombsight mount was made by Lovell Mfg. Co. in Erie, Pennsylvania. It was used with the Norden M-series bombsight system. The mount bolted to the floor at the bombardier’s station. It held the stabilizer, which supported the sight head. Its adjustable frame helped the crew level the equipment. Rubber mounts reduced vibration and shocks from takeoff and landing. This listing is for the mount only. The bombsight, stabilizer, aircraft, and other parts are not included.
Identification and Features
The identification plate is marked Type B7, Serial No. 19264, and Order No. 44-4278P. It also names Lovell Mfg. Co. of Erie, Pennsylvania. The specification marking begins with 2480. The 1944 Aviation Ordnance Equipment Catalogue lists the B-7 as Stock No. 2-M-428. It also gives AAF Drawing 43J18160. The catalog describes two triangular brackets, three Lord-type rubber mounts, a base plate, two adjustment knobs, and a tilt lock.
- Official type: B-7 bombsight mount
- Manufacturer: Lovell Mfg. Co., Erie, Pennsylvania
- Serial number: 19264
- Order number: 44-4278P
- Specification marking: Begins 2480; remainder obscured
- Stock number: 2-M-428
- AAF drawing: 43J18160
- Original role: Floor-mounted support and vibration isolation for a Norden bombsight and stabilizer
- Offered item: Mount only; no bombsight or stabilizer included
Original Service Function
The B-7 gave the Norden system a firm but cushioned base. Its upper bracket bolted to the bottom of the stabilizer. The pedestal secured the assembly inside the aircraft. One knob raised or lowered a corner of the mount for leveling. The other knob tilted the hinged brackets forward or backward. A lock held the chosen angle. These features helped keep the delicate sight equipment aligned. They also reduced the risk of damage from vibration and flight shocks.
Norden Bombsight System
The Norden M-series was a stable optical bombsight developed before World War II. American bombardiers used it on many types of aircraft. The full system joined a sight head, a gyro stabilizer, and aircraft controls. During a bomb run, the bombardier entered flight and target data. He then tracked the aim point as the system found the release point. In equipped aircraft, the Norden could work with the automatic pilot to help hold a steady course. The B-7 did not calculate the bombing solution. It held and protected the equipment that did.
Documented Aircraft Applications
Period technical orders confirm B-7 mounts in B-25J Mitchell bombers. The 1944 Navy catalog also lists the mount for the PB4Y-2 Privateer. That setup used the Mark 15 Mod 7 Norden bombsight and stabilizer. B-7 mounts were also common in other mid- and late-war Norden aircraft. These included the B-17G Flying Fortress, B-24 Liberator, A-26 Invader, and B-29 Superfortress. The plate on this loose mount does not name an aircraft. For that reason, this example should not be tied to one airframe.
Historical Background and Use
The Norden bombsight became closely linked with American precision bombing during World War II. Bombardiers received special ground and flight training before using it in combat. Norden equipment served in medium, heavy, and patrol bombers. It flew in the European, Mediterranean, and Pacific theaters. The B-7 mount was a less visible part of the system. Its job was still vital because it held, leveled, and protected the sight assembly. A surviving mount shows how the famous sight was installed and used inside an aircraft.
Condition
This is a military-surplus aircraft part. It may show finish wear, scratches, oxidation, dust, aged rubber, and adjustment wear. Small hardware may also be missing. The working condition of the knobs, tilt lock, and rubber mounts has not been verified unless stated. This listing includes one Type B-7 mount only. The bombsight head, stabilizer, aircraft hardware, covers, cables, and other items are not included. Please check the pictures for the general condition of the item.
Ideal For
This original B-7 mount is a strong display and restoration piece for collections focused on American bombing equipment, Norden fire-control history, and World War II military aviation. It also helps complete an exhibit by showing the support hardware used beneath a Norden stabilizer.
- Norden bombsight and stabilizer displays
- World War II USAAF collections
- B-25J Mitchell and PB4Y-2 Privateer exhibits
- American bomber restoration projects
- Military aviation museums and educational displays
Approx length 12.3", Approx width 11.5", Approx height 8.5", Approx weight 9.8 lbs.
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.
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