[Milsurplus] Why is there no broadcast band on BC-348's ?

[Tino Zottola]

I always wondered why BC-348's (and other similar
receivers used in WW2) have no broadcast band ?
They cover 200kc to 18 mc (minus the broadcast band).
Most commercial and ham (e.g. Hallicrafters)
land-based receivers at the time covered from the
broadcast band up to 30 mc easily.

Is it for one of the following reasons or something
else ?

1) Technical reasons: The IF freq is at 915 kc and so
covering the braodcast band would be difficult without
employing another IF freq. 

2) Most aircraft could receive the broadcast band on
their radio compass receivers (like BC-433). 

3) For moral reasons. They did not want the crew
listening to possible enemy propaganda or even allied
broadcasts that could contain negative news that would
defocus the crew from their mission.

If anyone has any thoughts on this, I would like to
hear them.

Thanks Tino, VE2GCE

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