This so-called Photo Panel was used to test fighters and other small jet aircraft. It contained a duplicate set of cockpit instruments, and was installed in the craft's nose. A 16 mm camera recorded the readings on these instruments as the test flight progressed. Afterwards, on the ground, the film would be developed and the data reduced and plotted on graph paper. The results gave an indication of how well the jet performed during an actual flight, compared to its predicted performance.

Display Status

This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.

Object Details

Country of Origin

United States of America

Type

EQUIPMENT-Test

Manufacturer

Grumman Aerospace Corporation

Physical Description

Instrument boxes and 16mm camera installed on an orange painted metal frame.

Dimensions

3-D (Overall): 80 × 58.4 × 49.5cm (2 ft. 7 1/2 in. × 1 ft. 11 in. × 1 ft. 7 1/2 in.)

Materials

HAZMAT: Cadmium
Non-Magnetic Metals
Ferrous Alloy
Paints
Electrical Wiring
Glass
Plastics
Rubber
Anodized Aluminum
Adhesive Stickers
Ink
Possible Radium Paint

Inventory Number

A19880373000

Credit Line

Gift of Grumman Aerospace Corp.

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply
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