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Pilots Notes to the Reflector Gunsight Mk. II As Used in the Spitfire and Hurricane

Derrick Hughes

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The Reflector Gunsight Mk. II was a reflector gunsight used in the Spitfire and Hurricane fighter aircraft during World War II. It was a simple but effective device that allowed pilots to aim their guns accurately at targets both in the air and on the ground.

This article provides a detailed guide to the Reflector Gunsight Mk. II, including its construction, operation, and use. It also includes a number of tips and techniques that can help pilots to improve their accuracy when using the gunsight.

Pilots Notes to the Reflector Gunsight Mk II as Used in the Spitfire & Hurricane in 1940

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Construction

The Reflector Gunsight Mk. II consists of a number of different components, including:

* A metal frame that is attached to the aircraft's windscreen * A glass reflecting plate that is mounted in the frame * A small lens that is positioned in front of the reflecting plate * A reticle that is etched onto the reflecting plate

The frame of the gunsight is made from a lightweight metal alloy, such as aluminum or magnesium. It is attached to the aircraft's windscreen using a series of screws or bolts.

The reflecting plate is made from a thin sheet of glass. It is coated with a reflective material, such as silver or aluminum. The reflecting plate is mounted in the frame of the gunsight at an angle of 45 degrees.

The lens is a small, convex lens. It is positioned in front of the reflecting plate at a distance of approximately 1 inch. The lens focuses light from the target onto the reflecting plate.

The reticle is a small, black crosshair that is etched onto the reflecting plate. The reticle is used to align the gunsight with the target.

Operation

The Reflector Gunsight Mk. II is a parallax-free gunsight. This means that the pilot's eye can be positioned at any point behind the gunsight and the reticle will always be aligned with the target.

To use the gunsight, the pilot simply aligns the reticle with the target. The pilot can then fire the aircraft's guns by pressing the trigger.

The gunsight can be used to aim at targets both in the air and on the ground. When aiming at a target in the air, the pilot must lead the target slightly in order to compensate for the target's movement. When aiming at a target on the ground, the pilot does not need to lead the target.

Use

The Reflector Gunsight Mk. II was a very effective gunsight. It was used by a number of top fighter pilots during World War II, including Douglas Bader, Adolf Galland, and Erich Hartmann.

The gunsight was particularly effective in air-to-air combat. It allowed pilots to aim their guns accurately at targets that were moving at high speeds. The gunsight was also effective in ground-attack missions. It allowed pilots to aim their guns accurately at targets on the ground, even when the aircraft was flying at low altitudes.

Tips and Techniques

Here are a few tips and techniques that can help pilots to improve their accuracy when using the Reflector Gunsight Mk. II:

* Make sure that the gunsight is properly aligned. The gunsight should be aligned so that the reticle is centered on the target when the pilot's eye is positioned behind the gunsight. * Lead the target slightly when aiming at a target in the air. The amount of lead that is required will vary depending on the speed and distance of the target. * Use the gunsight to aim at a specific point on the target. For example, when aiming at an aircraft, aim at the cockpit or the engine. * Practice using the gunsight in a variety of different situations. The more practice that a pilot has, the more accurate they will become.

The Reflector Gunsight Mk. II was a simple but effective device that allowed pilots to aim their guns accurately at targets both in the air and on the ground. It was used by a number of top fighter pilots during World War II and played a significant role in the Allied victory.

Pilots Notes to the Reflector Gunsight Mk II as Used in the Spitfire & Hurricane in 1940

4.3 out of 5