[Boatanchors] KWM 1 History Question

[Michael OBrien]

Greg,

I've never heard about a mirror and reverse-lettering scheme, but when I was researching the history of the KWM-1 for a QST article on the 50th anniversary of that groundbreaking rig, I did delve into its reported use in the U-2 spyplane -- including the legend that a KWM-1 was aboard Gary Powers' U-2 when he was shot down over Russia in 1959.

What I determined was that there were KWM-1s fitted into U-2s operated by the Strategic Air Command. Those planes weren't sent over enemy territory but rather were dispatched on high-altitude missions in international airspace to "sniff" for evidence of nuclear weapons testing by the Russians and Chinese. Because there was no intrusion into forbidden airspace, there was no need for radio silence on these missions. So SAC pilots were able to use the KWM-1 for long-range communications.

But on the true spy missions commissioned by the CIA, pilots such as Powers weren't supposed to be transmitting because that could have given away their presence when over enemy territory. The only radio transmitting gear aboard a CIA spyplane was a low-power VHF transceiver used to communicate with the tower when approaching base upon completion of a mission. So no KWM-1 wound up in Russian hands when Powers was shot down.

As for use of a mirror, it is true that the KWM-1 in the SAC planes was mounted on a shelf behind the pilot. But it is my understanding that the limited transceiver control functions required by the pilot were available on or near the microphone at his side in the cockpit.

That's the best info I could find in my article research. I'm always eager to be corrected by others with firsthand knowledge.

73,
Mike, K0MYW
 

--- On Mon, 4/12/10, Greg Mijal <bluebirdtele at embarqmail.com> wrote:

> From: Greg Mijal <bluebirdtele at embarqmail.com>
> Subject: [Boatanchors] KWM 1 History Question
> To: collins at mailman.qth.net
> Cc: boatanchors at mailman.qth.net
> Date: Monday, April 12, 2010, 3:23 PM
> Hi:
> 
> I heard a story that the KWM 1 transceiver was used on the
> U 2 spyplane in the past.  The pilot operated the radio
> by looking into a mirror at the KWM 1 mounted behind his
> head.  These KWM 1's were manufactured with reversed
> letters and numbers in order to reflect properly to the
> pilots eye.
> Is this story true or an urban legend?
> Thanks
> Greg
> WA7LYO
> Kinston NC
> new KWM 1 owner
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