WW2 Canadian RCAF Astro Compass

The WW2 Canadian RCAF Astro Compass is an aircraft navigation instrument used by the Royal Canadian Air Force during the Second World War. Designed to aid in celestial navigation, the astro compass allows aircrew to determine true north by using the position of the sun or stars. The device features a circular base with a rotatable azimuth ring, adjustable sighting arms, and a bubble level for precise alignment. Its robust metal construction ensured reliability in varying operational conditions. Typically mounted on a tripod or other stable surface, the astro compass was essential in polar regions and areas where magnetic compasses were affected by local anomalies. This instrument played a crucial role in long-range flights, particularly over the Arctic and during night operations, where conventional navigation aids were limited. The example offered here is representative of mid-20th century military navigation technology used by Commonwealth air forces during the war.