When the USS Texas was refitted for antiaircraft defense, 44 of the 20mm Oerlikon cannons were added. The basic gun had a big metal "look through" sight but there was also an electromechanical sight available by WWII. These sights were powered by air for the gyroscopes and electricity to keep them illuminated and to operate the heaters. Without heat they did not work in cool to cold conditions. A handle was provided on the side of some sights for the gunner to adjust the telescopic portion of the sight to the correct range. The sights were held on the 20mm mount by a pair of rods. A few samples of the original rods were available so I made some reproductions.
The handle was a "best guess" from a photograph because no originals or drawings were available. The holes in the rods allowed the gunner to position the sight fore/aft to his individual stature. Springs are retained by the brass nuts to absorb the massive vibration of the 20mm (roughly .79 caliber) rounds.
Overall length of the rods is a little over 14".
The gunsight and mount behind it.
The gunsight in the ready position on its mount along with the 20mm Oerlikon cannon. This one is mounted on a trailer that it towed to public events.
In its stowed position. The vibration dampening springs are in place on the rods. For transport the sight is removed and stored in its original case.
The handle was a "best guess" from a photograph because no originals or drawings were available. The holes in the rods allowed the gunner to position the sight fore/aft to his individual stature. Springs are retained by the brass nuts to absorb the massive vibration of the 20mm (roughly .79 caliber) rounds.
Overall length of the rods is a little over 14".
The gunsight and mount behind it.
The gunsight in the ready position on its mount along with the 20mm Oerlikon cannon. This one is mounted on a trailer that it towed to public events.
In its stowed position. The vibration dampening springs are in place on the rods. For transport the sight is removed and stored in its original case.