[ARC5] RAT, RAV, ARA, and RAX Questions and Observations

[David Stinson]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Mike Morrow" <kk5f at earthlink.net>
Subject: [ARC5] RAT, RAV, ARA, and RAX
Questions and Observations


> The RAT/RAT-1 is an interesting set.  I'm curious about:
>
> 1.  Was there a "non-preliminary" manual issued?
> 2.  Are there manuals of any sort surviving today?
A member kindly sent me copies of two RAT manuals,
but I can't find them at the moment.  Since moving
for the please-dear-God-last time, I've had nowhere to
deploy my library, so it's scattered about until I finish
a shop, which might happen sometime between now
and Judgement Day..... if I'm lucky.
The manuals give no clue as to the intended use of the sets,
which is curious, seeing as the other "type-K" manuals
are very clear as to their purpose.

> 3.  How was the 50 set total divided between the RAT and the RAT-1?

There were 50 sets of RAT built, and 50 sets of RAT-1.
It's important to note that these sets, and the individual items within 
them,
are different and distinctive for collecting purposes.
For instance; if we just say "RAT receivers,"  there are quite a few around.
But that's like saying: "There are quite a few Chevys around."
There are very few CBY-46083  RAT receivers around
(and far fewer racks or mounts or control boxes),
just as there are very few original 1939 2-door Chevy sedans.
That's the way to judge the matter.

>    (The RAT-1 appears to have been notably later than the RAT, judging
>      CBY-46xxx designations.  See below.)
> 4.  What was the year of introduction?

RAT       NOs-67258  24 June 1939  Acceptance tests: Oct. 1940.
RAT-1   NOs-67258  24 June 1939  Accoptance tests:  April 1941.
So the RAT-1 was built later, but only by a few months.
Of course, months are a lifetime in war....

> 5.  Is there any documentation of actual aircraft installations?
Nothing I've ever seen.

> 6.  When did the RAV (or xRAV) appear, compared to the RAT?
Someone who can find their SHIPS 242 will have this data.

> 7.  What are the production figures for the full eight-receiver RAV?
>    (less than RAT???)
I haven't seen any data, but Gordon had a figure of 46 sets,
and Wally Chambers said he had information of the RAV
sets, installed with one of the carrier wings,
 being "Davy Jones'ed" in the Med and replaced by RAX.
Wally is gone now, so that data is probably lost to us.
AFAIK, only three RAV receivers are in private hands.
As far as I've been able to determine, all other parts of RAV are extinct.
If anyone has anything RAV, I would be most grateful to get some
details about it.

73 Dave S.