Offered in this listing is an authentic Engine BMEP Gauge from the late 1940's, made by Kollsman PN 647K-02. The body of the instrument has a label of the US Naval Air Station Coco Solo, Panama, (see photos, hard to discern, but I've sold 3 from this lot which are identical to this one including the label), and may have been installed aside others like it in a large multi-engine piston-powered aircraft. I have not identified this instrument in any specific aircraft, so chime in if you know {UPDATE: I have located this instrument on the engineers panel of the US Navy's floatplane JRM-1 Martin Mars, in its flight manual dated 1947. Only 7 were ever built.). The face is embossed BU AERO US NAVY (i.e., Bureau of Aeronautics US Navy).

NAS Coco Solo housed several Patrol/Patrol Bomber aircraft during its tenure, including PBY Catalina's, PBM-5 Mariners, and P2 Neptunes.

BMEP is the acronym for Brake Mean Effective Pressure, and the gauge measured each engine's crankshaft torque by measuring oil pressure in the engine planetary gear drive system. This type of gauge was the primary tool used to lean the large radial engines in service late in the piston-powered aircraft era. BMEP is no longer measured to monitor engine performance, achieving the same results by monitoring EGT (exhaust gas temperature).

The knob is used to set the dial to match engine RPM. Doing so rotates the circular inset card displaying the BHP. The pointer indicates BMEP as received electrically from a transmitter mounted at the engine, thus corresponding BMEP with BHP and RPM. That's about all I can determine without having a manual.

If you don't have a BMEP gauge, its about time that you add one to your collection. This instrument is in terrific shape for its age. The dial markings are clear, and the glass and cases are intact. It measures 3.25" square mount and 4" deep. See photos, ask questions.

Please note that seller does not represent that this specific instrument was actually removed from any aircraft cited in the description, but that any documentation referenced here is evidence that it is the same type number and/or manufacturer's part number, used in these aircraft, or if such numbers are not available, the item closely resembles photos of the aircraft's instrument panel. We do our best to link instruments to specific aircraft, but Buyer accepts responsibility to perform the research to verify the item's use in specific aircraft.

2BAnAviator is presenting vintage military aircraft instruments from the 1940's, 50's, 60's, and 70's, ready for casual or serious collectors interested in aviation history. Our inventory includes instruments from aircraft of the US Navy, US Army Air Corps (i.e., pre March 1942), US Army Air Force (March 1942 to Sept 1947) and the US Air Force (post Sept 1947). Watch 2BAnAviator for many more listings coming soon.

Note that items are sold for collectors. Unless otherwise specified, seller makes no representation of the item’s serviceability or fitness for use in an aircraft other than for static display.

Will ship once payment is processed. Please note that ex-US shipments have a handling fee due to the additional documentation required. Payment within 2 days of winning bid is appreciated. Thanks for looking