[ARC5] USAF usage of the A.R.C. R-22 BCB receiver

[scottjohnson1 at cox.net]

The F-86L was by 1959 primarily an ADC asset mostly operated by northern tier ANG units.  It was designed for quick intercept of the Big Bear and was ultimately replaced by the near ideal interceptor, the F-106.  The F-86L operated under the SAGE network, and had to get in pretty close to use its tray of FFARs to knock down a bomber.  The F-106 could simply “flock shoot” with is Genie nuclear tipped, unguided missile.  I would question whether the F-106 would survive such an attack.  Unfortunately, the friend I hoped to talk to about the R-22 passed about six months ago, so I’m no smarter than before.

 

Scott W7SVJ

 

From: arc5-bounces at mailman.qth.net <arc5-bounces at mailman.qth.net> On Behalf Of Doran Platt
Sent: Saturday, March 9, 2024 13:40
To: ARC-5 List <arc5 at mailman.qth.net>
Subject: Re: [ARC5] USAF usage of the A.R.C. R-22 BCB receiver

 

Given that the '86L was a CONUS interceptor in the 50's, and that they, I believe, has no HF capability.. could they have been used to receive Conelrad or other GCI type transmissions?  Coming from an ADC background, in the early 50's, SAGE was primitive. In the late 50's into the 60's and later, with  integrated TSD, etc., true ground-directed target engagement was possible.  That said, our U-6A (nee L-20) Beaver had a Type 12 setup with both the LF and BCB receivers and the loop. Of course the coffee-grinder VHF VOR/LOC/Comms, too. 

Jeep K3HVG 

On 03/09/2024 1:19 PM EST Jack Antonio <scr287 at att.net <mailto:scr287 at att.net> > wrote: 

  

  

First, when I say A.R.C. I am referring to the Aircraft Radio 

Corporation, *not* the JAN AN/ARC designations. 

  

There was some discussion about 4 years ago, of this receiver, and 

why the USAF wanted to purchase them. And I've seen no answer to 

the question, just some speculation. Until now. 

  

The R-22 was a late 50s Type 12 receiver that specifically covered 

the AM broadcast band from 530 to 1600 kHz. It used an A.R.C. C-57 

control head. 

  

Over on the Army-Radios list, a gentleman from Europe asked about 

this receiver, and posted some scans from the Pilots Manual for 

the F-86L Sabre. And the R-22 was a part of the avionics for this 

aircraft. Yes, no mistake. 

  

The pilots manual states that the receiver is not for navigation, but 

is used to monitor the AM broadcast band. 

  

The F-86L was the F-86D Sabre Dog, with upgrades to work with the 

SAGE system. 

  

So why would an F-86L interceptor pilot need to monitor the AM broadcast 

band? Is there any documentation out there that explains this? 

  

Jack Antonio 

WA7DIA 

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