[ARC5] VHF Homing

[Jack Antonio]

Although it wouldn't apply to a CBI based P-51 during WWII, the
AAF did develop its own VHF homing system in the later stages
of the war to aid the long range escort missions to Japan.

This was the AN/ARA-8 Homing Adapter. The tell-tale signs of
this installation were the two antennas side by side on the dorsal
spine of the aircraft.  All the destination signal needed to do was
transmit, no special equipment required, and could either be a
ground station or another airplane. The homing pilot heard a Morse
letter, either D or U in his headphones, and steered until he heard
a steady tone.

Google search terms would be VLR fighter squadrons, "Uncle Dog"
system, AN/ARA-8 among others.

I scanned the manual for the system if anyone would like a copy.

Note that this was a completely different system than the Navy's ZB
and AN/ARR-2 based homing system, although the AAF did use the
Navy system as well.

I demonstrated an SCR-522 and AN/ARA-8 system at GIlbert a few
years ago. I think it probably would have been a bit more historically
accurate to have paired the AN/ARA-8 with an AN/ARC-3.

Jack Antonio
WA7DIA