Expert: Marc Ebelini - 1/25/2010

Question
I have acquired the following and would like any information you may have available on it. OR maybe you could direct me to another source for information. Thank you for your time.   Computer, Dead reckoning AN5835-1 FSSC #88-C-1120 MFR'S Part # FNA-9 Contract NO a(s) 21078 True Index

Answer
You confused me a little with the word Computer. I suspect you are talking about we called an E6B back in my day. It was a circular slide ruler and used by most pilots in the forties and fifties. Your number is a government number given to the slide ruler. The E6B was the civilian version. Gave mine away many years ago so I would not have any information on how to use it. What it did was to help determine your wind correction angle. what was important was not confusing true north with magnetic north. Depending where you are it would make a big difference in getting your correct heading. Radio ranges were limited back then until the VOR system came out. This removed the need for such a device. Then came RNAV, later Loran C and now GPS. Took my instrument rating shooting an approach using the Adcock system of Morse code sending A %26 N characters that cancelled out when on course. Your question brought back memories. Did you try this site? www.sliderules.info/trade/drose.htm There was one for sale on eBay but the ad was pulled. Lots of luck trying to use it. Please don't ask me how to use it, at my age I cannot remember that far back.