[ARC5] [Milsurplus] 26003A Navy aviation key

[Michael Hanz]

Once more with the picture...

On 6/11/2023 8:07 AM, Michael Hanz wrote:
> Along with KK5F's excellent coverage of this key, perhaps a photo of 
> an original Bendix MT-11B might be useful.  Sure looks like the 26003 
> family.
>
> Bendix was into the radio scene as soon as aircraft became more than a 
> curiosity.  The early aircraft apparently reeked of gasoline fumes on 
> a *good* day, and an open telegraph key that could potentially 
> initiate a spark upon key make or release wasn't a good idea.  Even 
> later, a bullet or shell through a wing could provide a dousing or at 
> least gasoline vapor throughout the cockpit.  The term 'flameproof' 
> seems a bit odd,  except in the context of not lighting a flame in a 
> fuel rich environment.  This in aircraft that had cigarette ashtrays 
> in every plane... 😁
>
> - Mike  KC4TOS
>
>
>
>
> On 6/10/2023 1:43 PM, Mike Morrow wrote:
>>
>> From the NAVSHIPS 900,109 Navy Type Number book of September 1945, 
>> the following information is provided on the four nt-26003* keys:
>>
>> CN-26003     GM     CN-G-115
>> KEY-TELEGRAPH
>> FLAME-PROOF
>> INSULATED FRAME.
>> 05/03/33
>>
>>      -26003A     GO     RE 26F 111
>> HAND TELEGRAPH KEY:   (NAF #37153)
>> FLAME PROOF,
>> INSULATED FRAME.
>> KNOB OF LAMINATED MATERIAL SPEC. 17-P-5 TYPE-PBM.
>> 10/11/33
>>
>> CME-26003B     VA-1     GRE 26J 1154A
>> KEY, TELEGRAPH
>> FLAME-PROOF
>> (SLIGHT IMPROVEMENTS IN COMPONENTS)
>> 01/06/38
>>
>> CME-26003C     VA-2 & VB-1     GRE 26J 1156A
>> KEY, TELEGRAPH
>> FLAME-PROOF
>> SAME AS -26003B EXCEPT FOR LARGER TERMINAL TUBE FOR ARMORED CABLE
>> 10/04/39
>>
>> Note that nt-26003 is associated with transmitter GM, and that 
>> nt-26003A is associated with transmitter GO.
>>
>> nt-26003B is associated with visual signaling equipment VA-1, and 
>> that nt-26003C is associated with visual signaling equipment VA-2 and 
>> VB-1.
>>
>> This key is my favorite military key.  I have owned five that were 
>> pulled from USN patrol aircraft being scrapped that had AN/ARC-25 
>> (AN/ART-13 with AN/ARR-15A), AN/ARC-38, AN/ARC-38A, or AN/ARC-94 HF 
>> radio sets installed.  ALL.were nt-26003A keys.  At least one had the 
>> two-minute key-down caution.
>>
>> Mike / KK5F
>>
>

-- 
Michael Hanz - KC4TOS
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