Part ID - Aircraft of World War II

Wildcat · 01-24-2009, 12:17 AM

Fellers, I was given this yonks ago by my Mum (don't know where she got it from) and was wondering if anyone know's what type of a/c it is from.
The only serial number on it is - AN 3022-8B plus a GH under the toggle switch.
Any info appreciated.

evangilder · 01-24-2009, 12:33 AM

The AN 3022-8B is probably the part number. If it falls under the old way we used to do part numbers, the AN stands for Army/Navy, which would include the Air Force. I can't be absolutely sure, but didn't a lot of aircraft share that switch? Joe?

Wildcat · 02-03-2009, 06:32 AM

Thanks Eric, sorry for the late reply mate I forgot I posted this

I understand that this is probably a generic switch used in many aircraft, but can anyone add anything else? WWII vintage? or post war?
Thanks.

FLYBOYJ · 02-03-2009, 08:46 AM

Eric hit the nail on the head about the part number, basically its a standard part and could of been installed on any number of aircraft. Originally manufactured in the war years, it was probably manufactured years after the war.

Wildcat · 02-03-2009, 09:06 AM

Cheers for that Joe.

Sweb · 02-05-2009, 08:27 PM

Standard SPST (Single Pole Single Throw) switch that was used, in this case, to arm the gun and gun-camera solenoids. It closed the circuit between the guns and gun-camera with the gun trigger switch. Some aircraft had one switch that armed all gun solenoids (P-47 according to my Pop) while others had one for each gun (F4U-series left console Ref: Whistling Death).

The AN is the old part numbering system and was the abbreviation for Army-Navy. Now we use MS (Military Standards) and are slowly evolving to standards like NAS (National Aerospace Standards). All of them are being identified and described in applicable ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) specifications and will culminate in one standard for products and materials. Unfortunately, the old specs are free (public domain) on-line in most instances. ASTM documents must be purchased.

The topic switch can probably be Googled by its AN spec number. Responses will also probably reveal its national stock number for similar products.

Edit: The red guard over the switch is not part of the switch. It's an accessory. The switch itself looks like an old Cutler-Hammer standard. Same for the guard. The guards were obviously designed to prevent unintentional closing of the switch or they were used to "capture" the switch to prevent unintentional opening of it. I work with this stuff all the time as an A&P.

FLYBOYJ · 02-05-2009, 09:34 PM

Good one sweb...

Aaron Brooks Wolters · 02-05-2009, 09:54 PM

Interesting guys, thanks Wildcat. Cool switch.

Wildcat · 02-06-2009, 09:03 AM

Thanks Sweb. Appreciate the info mate.

01-24-2009, 12:33 AM	#2
evangilder "Shooter" Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Moorpark, CA Posts: 14,803	The AN 3022-8B is probably the part number. If it falls under the old way we used to do part numbers, the AN stands for Army/Navy, which would include the Air Force. I can't be absolutely sure, but didn't a lot of aircraft share that switch? Joe? __________________ http://www.vg-photo.com For once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been and there you will long to return. Leonardo Da Vinci

02-03-2009, 06:32 AM	#3
Wildcat Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Queensland Posts: 4,543	Thanks Eric, sorry for the late reply mate I forgot I posted this I understand that this is probably a generic switch used in many aircraft, but can anyone add anything else? WWII vintage? or post war? Thanks. __________________

02-03-2009, 08:46 AM	#4
FLYBOYJ IP/Mech THE GREAT GAZOO Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Colorado, USA Posts: 16,049	Eric hit the nail on the head about the part number, basically its a standard part and could of been installed on any number of aircraft. Originally manufactured in the war years, it was probably manufactured years after the war. __________________ "IF ITS RED OR DUSTY, DON'T TOUCH IT"

02-03-2009, 09:06 AM	#5
Wildcat Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Queensland Posts: 4,543	Cheers for that Joe. __________________

02-05-2009, 08:27 PM	#6
Sweb Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 277	Standard SPST (Single Pole Single Throw) switch that was used, in this case, to arm the gun and gun-camera solenoids. It closed the circuit between the guns and gun-camera with the gun trigger switch. Some aircraft had one switch that armed all gun solenoids (P-47 according to my Pop) while others had one for each gun (F4U-series left console Ref: Whistling Death). The AN is the old part numbering system and was the abbreviation for Army-Navy. Now we use MS (Military Standards) and are slowly evolving to standards like NAS (National Aerospace Standards). All of them are being identified and described in applicable ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) specifications and will culminate in one standard for products and materials. Unfortunately, the old specs are free (public domain) on-line in most instances. ASTM documents must be purchased. The topic switch can probably be Googled by its AN spec number. Responses will also probably reveal its national stock number for similar products. Edit: The red guard over the switch is not part of the switch. It's an accessory. The switch itself looks like an old Cutler-Hammer standard. Same for the guard. The guards were obviously designed to prevent unintentional closing of the switch or they were used to "capture" the switch to prevent unintentional opening of it. I work with this stuff all the time as an A&P. Last edited by Sweb; 02-05-2009 at 08:41 PM.

02-05-2009, 09:34 PM	#7
FLYBOYJ IP/Mech THE GREAT GAZOO Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Colorado, USA Posts: 16,049	Good one sweb... __________________ "IF ITS RED OR DUSTY, DON'T TOUCH IT"

02-05-2009, 09:54 PM	#8
Aaron Brooks Wolters Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Abingdon, VA. Posts: 2,283	Interesting guys, thanks Wildcat. Cool switch.

02-06-2009, 09:03 AM	#9
Wildcat Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Queensland Posts: 4,543	Thanks Sweb. Appreciate the info mate. __________________

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