WW2 US North American Aviation Pilots Map Board

The WW2 US North American Aviation Pilots Map Board is an original navigational accessory used by United States Army Air Forces pilots during the Second World War. Manufactured by or for North American Aviation, this board was designed to securely hold maps and navigation documents in the cockpit of aircraft such as the P-51 Mustang, B-25 Mitchell, and other North American Aviation models. Typically constructed from lightweight yet durable materials, the board features a rigid writing surface, spring clips, and occasionally elastic bands or straps for attaching and organizing maps and flight plans. This configuration allowed pilots quick access to vital charts while in flight and contributed to more efficient navigation and mission planning. Map boards such as this played a significant role in flight operations, particularly during complex combat and reconnaissance missions. Due to their direct association with wartime aviation, surviving examples are important artifacts for military and aviation collections.