[Milsurplus] Was AN/PRC-66 Guard Channel Module, now Classic UHF sets.

Morrow, Michael A. [email protected]
Wed, 3 Sep 2003 13:17:01 -0400


Robert wrote:

> I would have said that the Classic UHF set was AN/ARC-12,
> a mod of AN/ARC-1.

The RT-58/ARC-12 looks like a neat set.  I've got the manual,
but not the radio.  It used all the same support components
as the AN/ARC-1 did, except for antenna.  I suppose the idea
must have been to be able to pull out the RT-18/ARC-1 and
replace it and the antenna with AN/ARC-12 units, leaving
rack, cable, and control box installations intact.

I remember Fair Radio was selling these in the mid-1960s.
I wanted one, but couldn't afford it or shipping on a junior
high school student's income.  I've not seen one offered anywhere
since.

> The ARC-27/55 were made in much larger quantities...

Which is exactly what, IMO, makes them "classic."  The earliest
contract date I've seen on a RT-178/ARC-27 was 1952, so this RT
was one impressive piece of electronic and mechanical engineering
for its era.  I know some were still flying more than 25 years
later.  The common use of the AN/ARC-27/55 is sort of like the
AN/ARN-6 ADF, which also was found in almost everything that flew
during the -27/55 heyday.

I prefer the unpressurized version, the AN/ARC-55.  It is a lot
easier to pop the top cover and admire the works inside than is
the AN/ARC-27.

Here's an unrelated question:  What was the difference between the
AN/ARC-1 and the AN/ARC-1A?  I've got manuals for both and I've
not been able to detect any difference between the RT-18 and the
RT-18A, nor in the remainder of the system.

73, 
Mike / KK5F