Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer

This "shoebox" gunsight prototype was built by Dr. Charles S. Draper in 1941. For many years, U.S. anti-aircraft guns had used fixed sights and their crews had difficulty in tracking and hitting fast-flying planes. The "shoebox" gunsight was placed directly on the gun. Gun crews would hold its reticle on the target and the gun barrel or barrels would quickly and continuously move in the right direction to permit the target to be hit. The "shoebox" gunsight prototype directly led to the development of the U.S. Navy's Mark 14 gunsight during World War II, which proved very effective in helping to destroy enemy airplanes. This artifact was donated to the Museum by Dr. Draper in 1974.

 Display Status

This object is on display in Boeing Aviation Hangar at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.

Boeing Aviation Hangar
Object Details
Country of Origin United States of America Type ARMAMENT-Sights & Controls Manufacturer Dr. Charles Stark Draper
 Physical Description Black metal box with glass windows and various dials and electrical cord. Dimensions 3-D: 22.9 x 35.6 x 27.9cm (9 x 14 x 11 in.)
 Materials Steel, aluminum, stainless steel, glass, bakelite, rubber, adhesive, natural fabric, copper
 Inventory Number A19800476000 Credit Line Gift of Dr. Charles S. Draper Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.