This particular instrument has an out of the ordinary heritage. It was one of 40 constructed and
only one of three remaining in the world. It is also the only one still operational. 

It was used during the Second World War by the Royal Navy at Gordon’s Bay where navigators
were trained in what is known as astral navigation. After the war it was transferred to 80 Air 
Navigation School at CFS Langebaanweg, where it was utilised in the training of pilots and navigators.

When 80 ANS relocated to Cape Town International Airport during the early 1970’s, the planetarium was also relocated and was housed in a specially constructed building. When the decision was taken to move 35 Squadron
and 80 ANS back to Air Force Base Ysterplaat the planetarium was brought to the SA Air Force Museum
and after some two years of hard work was reassembled and restored back to pristine condition. 

Although the GPS has replaced the need for astral navigation, it will still be utilised by 80 ANS who present survival-training courses for aircrews.

Please contact Chris Teale should you wish to either attend a presentation, or arrange a presentation at the SAAF Museum's Planetarium.