What is it?

[yak18pilot]

Last fall, I visited a metal sculpture artist in the Sierra foothills. He had various piles of scrap metal on his property with which to create his art. In one of these piles were two of these objects. The artist said this particular scrap pile had come out of a military base, but did not know which base, and had no idea what the item was. He offered me the one in better shape. It is made of aluminium, is 14" long, 1 " wide and 3/8" thick. On one side the number 1660365 is stamped into it. I told the artist I thought it was naval aircraft related but don't know anymore than that. Anyone here have an idea what it is and the era it which it would have been used?
Thanks in advance!

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IMG_8385[1].jpeg (30.77 KiB) Viewed 2450 times

IMG_8386[1].jpeg (52.08 KiB) Viewed 2450 times

[Archer]

Looks like it could say 'Vertical/Lateral Take-off limit zone'. Something to do with calculating the limitations (CG? Take-off distance?) for a naval type... but that's how far my guesswork goes.

[Richard W.]

It's for checking the deflection of a rocket powered torpedo.

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[mike furline]

It's for checking the deflection of a rocket powered torpedo.

One can only imagine the cost $$$ of that stick with a P/N.

[Archer]

I'm looking for a smiley with a big thumbs up but cannot find it.... Well done Richard W.!

[yak18pilot]

Richard W.-
Thanks for figuring this out! It looks like from your information it was designed to align an ASROC (Anti Submarine Rocket) so it wasn't aircraft related at all.
More information on ASROCs found here:
https://www.destroyers.org/tcs-ships/ordnance-photos-and-articles/anti-submarine-rocket-asroc/

It's an interesting conversation piece in my home...