WWII-Era Bendix DU-1 Radio Direction Finder – Navy-Issued Navigation Equipment (1940)

For sale is an authentic WWII-era Bendix DU-1 Radio Direction Finder, a rare piece of military aviation history manufactured by the Bendix Radio Corporation for the U.S. Navy’s Bureau of Ships. Dated December 7, 1940, this unit (Serial No. 2309) was a critical navigation tool used by naval and military aviators during World War II, making it a prized addition for collectors of military antiques, aviation memorabilia, or vintage radio equipment.

Historical Significance:
The Bendix DU-1 was a manual radio direction finder (RDF) used primarily in aircraft and ships for navigation in the 1940s. This model was designed to locate the bearing of radio signals, such as non-directional beacons (NDBs), in the low and medium frequency bands (200 kHz to 1750 kHz). It played a vital role in long-distance flights and maritime operations during WWII, helping pilots and navigators find their way over oceans and remote areas where visual navigation was impossible. Manufactured just before the U.S. entered the war, this unit would have been in service during some of the most pivotal moments of the conflict, making it a tangible piece of history from a transformative era in military aviation.

Specifications:
- Model: DU-1 (Radio Direction Finding Equipment)
- Type: Coupler Unit, Type CRR-50061
- Manufacturer: Bendix Radio Corporation, Baltimore, MD
- Contract: NOs-72173, dated 7 Dec 1940
- Serial Number: 2309
- Weight: 3.9 lbs (as per label)
- Power: Wired for 12-volt operation
- Components: Includes loop antenna, coupler mounting base (CRR-50062), and azimuth unit (CRR-69054)
- Supply: 12/24V, 3/1.5A D.C., 200V, 016A D.C.

Condition and Features:
This Bendix DU-1 is in original, unrestored condition, showing authentic signs of use that reflect its wartime service. The loop antenna, a key component for direction finding, is intact with some wear and paint chipping, adding to its historical character. The control box features a rugged metal construction with original knobs, switches, and dials, including frequency band selection and an “INDEX” control for rotating the loop. The front panel shows minor surface wear, but all labels and markings remain legible. The side plates confirm its Navy provenance, with clear engravings from the Bureau of Ships and Bendix Radio Corp. The unit has not been tested for functionality, as is typical for vintage electronics of this age, but it appears complete and would be a fantastic candidate for restoration or display.

Collector Appeal:
The Bendix DU-1 is a rare find for collectors of WWII military equipment, vintage avionics, or early radio technology. Its Navy contract and 1940 manufacture date place it squarely in the context of WWII, offering a direct connection to the pilots and navigators who relied on such equipment during the war. Whether displayed in a museum, private collection, or as part of a vintage aircraft restoration project, this direction finder is a conversation piece that embodies the ingenuity and challenges of mid-20th-century navigation technology.

Notes:
- Sold as-is, for display or restoration purposes.
- Due to the age of the electronics, internal components (e.g., vacuum tubes, capacitors) may require servicing for operational use.
- Additional photos available upon request.

Don’t miss this opportunity to own a piece of WWII aviation history! Contact us with any questions.

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