A63 Celestial Navigation Trainer

During World War II instrument flying training became all-important, and Edwin C. Link's Instrument Flight Simulator, or Link Trainer, was used by most Allied Air Forces. The early Link Trainers were designed specifically for pilot training, but as the war continued and long-range aircraft were introduced, it became necessary to co-ordinate the training of aircraft crews.

Link's answer was the Celestial Navigation Trainer (CNT), which was an ingenious and remarkable conception for its time. The CNT was housed in an air-conditioned, eight-walled building, 13.7 metres high by 7.9 metres across the base. Aircrew members were positioned in a fuselage similar to the Link Trainer, but enlarged to carry a pilot, navigator, bomb-aimer, and wireless operator. Above the fuselage was a synthetic night sky for astro-navigation, and ground features could be projected on a white screen beneath the fuselage. Thus, the pilot would fly the 'aircraft' while the navigator would use sky or ground references to reach an objective, where the bomb-aimer would take over to complete the mission. The CNT instructor could introduce bumpy flying conditions, changes of wind, create daylight or nightfall, scurry clouds across the sky, or arrange static to worry the wireless operator.

The RAAF purchased three CNTs in 1944, and they were initially registered with Link Trainers under the A13 series. However, the CNTs were much more complex to maintain, and so they were grouped under the A63 designation to assist in the procurement of spares. The first CNT, A63-1, was installed at East Sale, while various other localities, including Tocumwal and Rathmines, were considered for the other two units. However, because of servicing difficulties and spares backing, the East Sale installation proved to be the only successful unit.

A63-1 operated until 1957 when it was superseded by DR Navigation Trainers and the CNT was finally dismantled and sold in 1962.

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