[ARC5] [Milsurplus] ARC-5 Receiver Question

[match at ece.utah.edu]

On 18 Feb 2010 at 10:35, Mike Morrow wrote:

> 
> I'm not a subscriber to the protective paint theory, at least
> as it applies to the aluminum which comprised most of the
> structure of almost all aircraft radio sets (connectors often
> being a notable exception).

I don't either, nor do I believe the paint was applied to make them look pretty.

If I had to guess, (which I am doing now!) I would suggest that they were 
painted for useability reasons, that being that the black wrinkle paint is non-
reflective, mostly, and the white-on-black lettering is easy on the eyes in a 
darkened aircraft. 

So, why were some plain aluminum? If I had to guess (again!) I would 
suggest that some were left unpainted so that the contract could be filled in a 
more timely manner. A "G.I. Joe needs his radios, and if we can convice the 
govmint to take 'em without paint, we can get them out a week earlier, AND 
we make an extra half a buck on each one" sorta thing.

All pure conjecture, I know NOTHING about this, just trying to work through a 
"what would I do if..." scenario. 

Marvin
KA7TPH