[ARC5] Radio Equipment installed in Grumman F6F-3 at NMNA

[w4thq at cox.net]

Group,

The F6F-3 (an early model, quite rare: most common is F6F-5), the SBD-3 also in our shop, and the SBD-5 completed last November were all recovered from Lake Michigan.  This F6F-3 made a hard landing, hit the barrier, and ended up hanging over the side by its tailhook.  After the pilot was rescued, the aircraft was cut loose to drop into the lake.  I think it was down about 200 feet or so.  When we received it, the engine's  magnesium gear case was corroded away so it fell off the engine as we moved it into position for pressure washing.  After removal of the engine and mount, we stood it on a firewall support platform which has casters for moving the now vertical airframe around the shop.  This is the position for cleaning and removal of components using portable work platforms.  When necessary we can position the airframe in its normal position by rotating it parallel to the ground.  At this time the engine cowling is nearly complete, an engine replacement found, the fin has been recreated (it was missing), and half of the stabilizer rebuilt.  The cockpit instrument panels and most easily accessed items have been removed.  The damaged folding outer wing panels are at a specialized fabricator being rebuilt.

In regard to the ASB installations on the two SBD-5 aircraft:  both had the underwing 5-element YAGI antennas in place on both outer wing panels.  The hydraulic levers for rotating the antennas in azimuth were still in the rear cockpit and the coax cables from the baggage compartment (where the ASB equipment mounts were located) through each wing to the antennas were present.  This hydraulic system was a "trapped" system not unlike a brake system so the gunner /radar operator could manually aim the antennas at a target.  I was disappointed that none of our SBD-5's had any ASB units except for one that did have the Power Control Box.  This was about  6 by 8 inches in size with a panel meter in the upper center along with switches, indicating lamps, and fuses mounted below.  We restored this unit cosmetically including creating a meter face, touching up the paint, and cleaning it inside.  Despite being in deep water for 60 years it was in remarkable condition.

I think that about covers the questions so far.
John W4THQ