[ARC5] Navy Aircraft Identification

[Michael A. Bittner]

Thanks to all for the information on my mystery aircraft photo.  Interesting that "Profile Publications" lists everything right down to the first aid kit on the aircraft, but completely misses the radios.  Mike Hanz filled this gap with extremely helpful list of radio equipment.  Thanks again.  Mike-W6MAB

--
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Mike Hanz 
  To: arc5 at mailman.qth.net 
  Cc: Michael A. Bittner ; Robert Eleazer 
  Sent: Sunday, April 20, 2014 8:05 PM
  Subject: Re: [ARC5] Navy Aircraft Identification


  The SON-1 had a GP-3 transmitter, RU-5 receiver, RDF-1-A loop DF, and 
  LM-2 frequency meter.

  http://aafradio.org/docs/Navy-radio-gear-1943.pdf

  Appropriate for a mid-1930s biplane.

  > ----- Original Message -----
  >    From: Robert Eleazer
  >    To: arc5 at mailman.qth.net
  >    Sent: Sunday, April 20, 2014 5:10 PM
  >    Subject: [ARC5] Navy Aircraft Identification
  >
  >
  >    That aircraft is a Curtiss SOC Seagull.  It was normally equipped with floats and catapulted from cruisers and battleships  It first flew in 1933 and was used in the 1930's and in WWII, although they were replaced with more modern aircraft late in the war.
  >
  >    The specific version shown in the photo is the SON version, which was the same design built by the Naval Aircraft Factory.
  >
  >    Given that the SOC's purpose was scouting and fire direction, it needed a pretty good radio.  I would guess it would use something more capable than an RU and it probably never got the ARA, ATA, or ARC-5.
  >
  >    The example in the picture is in prewar markings and the name Mississippi on eth side presumably indicates the ship it was assigned to
  >
  >    I have a short book on the Seagull I can e-mail to anyone who wishes to see it. It is about 4MB in PDF.
  >
  >    Wayne