WWII German Luftwaffe Fl.23470 Radio Direction Finding Indicator (Funkpeilanzeigegerät PFA/R)
$1,450.00
WWII German Luftwaffe fighter and Bomber Aircraft Fl.23470 Radio Direction Finding Indicator (Funkpeilanzeigegerät PFA/R). This set appears to be complete and in working order although I have no way to actually test it.
Additional photos upon request. Please see my other website items, Instagram and Facebook posts for more WWII Luftwaffe aircraft instruments, related artifacts, uniforms, medals, flags, and field gear.
The Fl.23470 Radio Direction Finding Indicator (PFA/R) was a German radio direction finding indicator instrument used by the Luftwaffe during World War II. It was part of the standard equipment of many twin-engine fighter aircraft.
Key data of the Fl.23470 PFA/R
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Description: Radio Direction Finding Indicator
-
Requirement Marks: Fl.23470
-
Device No.: 127-117 A
-
Model: PFA/R
-
Manufacturer: J.C. Eckardt (early versions, ca. 1940) later also godmother, Berlin (ca. 1942–44)
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Measuring range: 0–360°
-
Accessories:
-
Peiltochterkompass Fl.23337
-
Zero Disc PFA-n Fl.23474 (later versions)
-
Installation in:
-
Messerschmitt Bf 110
-
Dornier Do 17, Do 217
-
Junkers Ju 88
-
Heinkel He 111
Function & Use
The PFA/R was part of the Luftwaffe radio direction finder system. It showed the navigator or radio operator the direction of a dialed radio beacon.
The operation was typically as follows:
The operation was typically as follows:
-
The radio operator dials a radio beacon.
-
The AFN1 instrument indicates whether the direction finding antenna needs to be turned left or right.
-
As soon as the signal is centered, the navigator on the PFA/R can read the exact direction finder.
-
This allowed the course to be corrected or the position to be determined.
(Description confirmed by functional representation of PFA device family)
Variants & Special Features
-
Early version (ca. 1940):
-
Manufacturer: J.C. Eckardt
-
Paintwork still in RLM 02
-
Very early design
-
Later remarks (1942–44):
-
Manufacturer: Patin
-
Partly with extended accessory discs (e.g. radio charging full disc Fl.23455)
-
Documented use in the night fighter squadron NJG 101 (identification “GW+20”)
System components (selection)
-
Bearing Daughter Compass Fl.23337 – provides the bearing information to the PFA/R
-
Wireless Feeding Full Disc Fl.23455 – Mechanical Recording/Reading Aid
-
AFN1 indicator – shows antenna direction error
Conclusion
The Fl.23470 PFA/R was a central navigation instrument of the German Air Force, which used radio beacons to determine its course. It was used in many bombers and destroyers and existed in several stages of development between 1940 and 1944.
Description
WWII German Luftwaffe Fl.23470 Radio Direction Finding Indicator (Funkpeilanzeigegerät PFA/R) Flight Instrument
The Fl.23470 Radio Direction Finding Indicator (PFA/R) was a German radio direction finding indicator instrument used by the Luftwaffe during World War II. It was part of the standard equipment of many twin-engine fighter aircraft.
Key data of the Fl.23470 PFA/R
-
Description: Radio Direction Finding Indicator
-
Requirement Marks: Fl.23470
-
Device No.: 127-117 A
-
Model: PFA/R
-
Manufacturer: J.C. Eckardt (early versions, ca. 1940) later also godmother, Berlin (ca. 1942–44)
-
Measuring range: 0–360°
-
Accessories:
-
Peiltochterkompass Fl.23337
-
Zero Disc PFA-n Fl.23474 (later versions)
-
Installation in:
-
Messerschmitt Bf 110
-
Dornier Do 17, Do 217
-
Junkers Ju 88
-
Heinkel He 111
Function & Use
The PFA/R was part of the Luftwaffe radio direction finder system. It showed the navigator or radio operator the direction of a dialed radio beacon.
The operation was typically as follows:
The operation was typically as follows:
-
The radio operator dials a radio beacon.
-
The AFN1 instrument indicates whether the direction finding antenna needs to be turned left or right.
-
As soon as the signal is centered, the navigator on the PFA/R can read the exact direction finder.
-
This allowed the course to be corrected or the position to be determined.
(Description confirmed by functional representation of PFA device family)
Variants & Special Features
-
Early version (ca. 1940):
-
Manufacturer: J.C. Eckardt
-
Paintwork still in RLM 02
-
Very early design
-
Later remarks (1942–44):
-
Manufacturer: Patin
-
Partly with extended accessory discs (e.g. radio charging full disc Fl.23455)
-
Documented use in the night fighter squadron NJG 101 (identification “GW+20”)
System components (selection)
-
Bearing Daughter Compass Fl.23337 – provides the bearing information to the PFA/R
-
Wireless Feeding Full Disc Fl.23455 – Mechanical Recording/Reading Aid
-
AFN1 indicator – shows antenna direction error
Conclusion
The Fl.23470 PFA/R was a central navigation instrument of the German Air Force, which used radio beacons to determine its course. It was used in many bombers and destroyers and existed in several stages of development between 1940 and 1944.
