[ARC5] Guided Bomb Equipment

[Mike Morrow]

Mike Bittner wrote:

> I have three versions of the ARW-26 including the BC-464 Army version.

All of these were USAAF systems.

The BC-464-* is actually part of the earlier RC-57-** target drone aircraft
receiving system.  It worked with the RC-56-* ground transmitting equipment
(BC-463-* transmitter, PE-126 dynamotor, and BC-1272 control boxes) on 67
to 74 MHz, using MCW tones.

The RC-57-* was replaced by the AN/ARW-26 using R-116/ARW-26 or R-143/ARW-26X
receivers.  The RC-56-* was retained as the ground equipment.

The control range given for both systems is "10 miles maximum, 3 - 4 normal".

> I believe they were used in propeller driven target drones for the ground-to-air
> gunnery practice that air gunners got before starting actual air-to-air combat
> gunnery training.

A diagram that I have shows the trainees in a "B-29 GUNNERY RIG" on the ground.
The diagram also states:  "CRASHING OF AIRCRAFT SHOT DOWN IS PREVENTED BY
AUTOMATIC RELEASE OF PARACHUTE".  A target aircraft is shown descending with
parachute.

That would have been fun to watch.  I wonder how well that worked out.

Mike / KK5F