Tokyo Aero
Gyro Horizon Indicator, Japanese Army Aircraft, Type 98 or 100
This artifact resides in our Private Collection, yet we welcome inquiries from restorers, museums, or serious enthusiasts. Please email us with the name of the artifact at Curator@AeroAntique.com.
This is a WWII-era Gyro Horizon Indicator as used in aircraft of the Japanese Army. It appears to be either a Type 98 or 100. According to the website Funatsu Aviation Instrument Museum the Type 100 was used in the Type 1 Trainer, the Type 2 and Type 4 Fighters, the Type 4 Bomber, and the Ki-106.
Our Google Translate app interpreted the date on the label as Showa 11, which is 1936. The knob at the lower left adjusts the flow of air through the pneumatic connection to the gyro inside. Interestingly, this looks to be a "bring-back" that was once serviced by a US based instrument repair shop, see label. It is in exceptional condition for its age. The gyro horizon moves freely within its housing.
We welcome any additional information which might clarify the history of this instrument.