ADF-SERIALS
Australian & New Zealand Military Aircraft Serials & History

RAAF A63 Link Celestial Navigation Trainer

Celestial Navigation Trainer Image Gallery

This was quite an advanced concept for its time as the CNT was housed in an air-conditioned, eight-walled building, 13.7 metres high by 7.9 metres across the base. All of the aircrew members undergoing training were positioned in a fuselage similar to a Link Trainer but enlarged to carry the complete crew who were trained as a unit. 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 turbulent conditions, changes of wind strength and direction, create daylight or nightfall, move clouds across the sky, or arrange static to create challenges for the wireless operator.

The RAAF purchased three CNTs in 1944 which were modified for use in the Southern Hemisphere, 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 to be installed and operated.

A63-1 operated until 1957 when it was superseded by DR Navigation Trainers and the CNT was finally dismantled and sold for scrap via auction in 1962.