Autopilot, Vertical Gyro, Type A-3A, Jack & Heintz

WW2-vintage Vertical Gyro module of the Type A-3A Automatic Pilot system, made by Jack & Heintz, with a serial # prefix of 45, indicating a manufacturing date of 1945, for the US Army Air Force.  Would be connected with the Directional Gyro module and the Speed Control Valve module of the same system and installed on the flight control panel.  The A-3A autopilot was used in bombers B-24C Liberator, B-25C,D,G Mitchell, fighter P-61 Black Widow, and transports C-46 Commando, C-47 Dakota, and C-54 Skymaster.

The Vertical Gyro module was intended to maintain the aircraft in level flight. The Aileron and Elevator Trim knobs permitted the pilot to adjust the aircraft's attitude in response to load and wind conditions.

The A-3A autopilot system was pneumatically operated, hence the suction gauge in the upper right corner to indicate the performance status of the pneumatic system.  

Measures approximately 8 inches by 8 inches and 12 inches deep.