Among the museum’s latest exhibits is an exciting simulator using the famous Norden Bombsight, which was used extensively by the United States Armed Forces during WWII, The Korean Conflict and even the Vietnam War. The Norden Bombsight is an electromechanical computer sighting and flight control device that allowed the crews of bomber aircraft to deliver gravity bombs with improved accuracy. Considered advanced technology for its time, the Norden Bombsight was a closely guarded secret during WWII.

The idea behind the Norden Bombsight exhibit was to allow museum patrons to experience a re-creation of a bombing mission in the nose of a typical WWII bomber. The simulation would link to NASA open source global imaging software to simulate actual controls for ground speed, trajectory, drift and flight angle as the original Norden Bombsight would have done. The problem is, the simulator is not flying in the air aboard a WWII bomber, but on the ground and stationary in an aviation museum. The exhibit’s creators needed a series of feedback devices to aid in the simulation.

Norden Bombsight exhibit.

EPC’s solution was the Model 15T encoder. The small form factor was easily incorporated into the design with minimal visual impact on this unique, new exhibit. "To our knowledge, this will be the first-ever simulator of its kind, and we at OAM are very excited to have Encoder Products Company’s support in making this a reality." ~ Scott Buckingham, Operations Manager, OAM.

For more information about the museum and the exhibits, please visit their website at www.oaklandaviationmuseum.org.