Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. The need for training aids was a constant during WWII, as huge numbers of serviceman were prepared for deployment in the various theaters of WWII. The problem was always meeting the needs of training, while staying within the constraints of time, money, and safety. For the training of the various "waist gunners" in bomber aircraft, safety was definitely a concern. There was no way they could train the airmen with live weapons, as the result would be showering .50 cal bullets in all directions. The solution reached was fairly simple: Electric BB guns, such as the McGlashan Air Machine Gun, and this trainer, the Type E-10, made by the HOTPOINT Appliance division of General Electric.
The electric training gun shoots plastic pellets on a 1 to 30 scale range, to simulate the time of flight of a caliber .50 bullet under actual firing conditions. The usual setup was to have two of these attached to a power source, to train the gun pointer for the waist gun.
This example was recently acquired from a private collector, and we do not know if it is functional anymore. After 70+ years, we believe it is not likely to work. However, it still looks "the business" and is in really good condition. This is the first of these trainers we have seen, as the majority were scrapped long ago.
The trainer still has a clear data plate on the rear right "receiver" plate:
TRAINER; AERIAL GUNNERY
TYPE E-10
SPECIFICATION No. 24854
SERIAL NO.44 - 306 VOLTS 110-120
ORDER NO. 44 - 230 ??? CYCLES 60
MFR'S ASS'Y PART NO. DC17
HOTPOINT
EDISON GENERAL ELECTRIC APPL. CO. INC.
CHICAGO, ILL. NP905 MADE IN U.S.A.
Judging from the serial number and order number, this trainer was manufactured in 1944. It is constructed from aluminum and steel, to simulate the weight of an actual AN/M2. Most of the original paint is present, with some wear due to service. Also the rear spade grips are slightly bent, probably from being dropped long ago.
An interesting piece of military history, ready to display!
- This product is not available for international shipping.
- This item is an inert trainer and is completely legal within the USA. International Military Antiques, Inc observes all Federal, State and Local laws. Everything for sale on ima-usa.com is completely legal to own, trade, transport and sell within the United States of America. Every display machinegun and machine gun parts set and gun sold by IMA, Inc is engineered to be inoperable according to guidelines provided by the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATF).
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