[ARC5] P-39 Radios

[Robert Eleazer]

My P-63C pilot's manual, dated 30 Mar 1945 shows the following as possible radio fits:
1.  SCR-274-N with 2 TX and 3 RX
2.  SCR-522: No doubt when the 522 was there the 274-N was not.
3. Bendix MN-26 RAdio Compass.  Note:  When the MN-26 is installed only two SCR-274-N receivers are installed.  I think it is obvious which two those would be; the three receiver control box is replaced with two single receiver control boxes, one next to the MN-26 box and on in the upper left instrument panel.  Remember that with the P-39 and P-63 there were car-type doors and thus no place to mount the radio control boxes in the usual sidewall locations.  
4. Detrola or BC-1206-B or BC-1206-C range receiver.  Obviously this would be used when there was a 522 and no MN-26.
5.  SCR-695 IFF
6.  APS-13

It seems likely that late P-39's would have had similar radio installations to P-63's.

Now, I wonder how much use the Soviets made of the SCR-522 in WWII?  I doubt they used VHF much.  On the other hand, I saw photos of the radio out of a Mig-15 and it was recognizably a copied SCR-522.  

Wayne
WB5SV