[ARC5] PBY Radios

[MARK DORNEY]

Standard radios on the early USN PBY Catalina were the Westinghouse GO series transmitters with BC-348. Also used radios in the GF-RU series, and the. ATA/ARA and ARC-5 series of radios. 

Mark D
WW2RDO



“In matters of style, float with the current. In matters of Principle, stand like a rock. “.   -   Thomas Jefferson 

Sent from my iPhone

On Nov 28, 2025, at 1:39 PM, scottjohnson1 at cox.net wrote:

It's interesting- especially the comment about the lack of engine oil from a
radial engine.  I have heard a similar story told by Bull Gunston, the
British author, regarding the first Packard-built Merlin powered Mustang
delivered to the UK, the plane captains went out to wipe the engine and
cowling down, only to find that it wasn't necessary.  They queried the ferry
pilot, assuming he had accomplished the task, only to find he did no such
thing.  These stories get repeated so many times there must be some truth to
it, but I think is somewhat overstated.  Mostly the typical rivalry between
long-time allies.
Having been partners on a pair of B.2 TT-18 Canberra bombers for 20 years, I
find this to be closer to the truth.  I can't deny not taking pleasure in
the occasional good natured jab! 
Scott W7SVJ

-----Original Message-----
From: arc5-bounces at mailman.qth.net <arc5-bounces at mailman.qth.net> On Behalf
Of releazer at earthlink.net
Sent: Friday, November 28, 2025 7:42 AM
To: arc5 at mailman.qth.net
Subject: [ARC5] PBY Radios

I don't know the type of radios involved but I read of the delivery of the
first PBY to the British.  After they arrived in the UK the US crew was
asked about the route they took.  They described it and the Brits thought
they had to be lying.  Not only could no Brit aircraft have flown that
route, but the engine cowlings were not covered in oil, so it could have not
have been a flight that long.  The Brits asked about the radios on the PBY,
saying they were having trouble with their patrol planes being able to
contact home base.  The US crew replied that they had been communicating
with the Consolidated plant in San Diego while on final approach to the Brit
base.  The Brits did not believe that, either.  So the next day they went up
and observed comm with SD again. 

Wayne
WB5WSV
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