[Milsurplus] Re: Beginning of use of UHF aero radios

[Dan Arney]

In the early 60's I ferried 6 HU-i6's from AZ to the Italian Air Force 
in Brindisi, Italy, we had UHF and ARC-3's with crystal kit.
The first one we went from McGuire AFB to Lajes AFB Azores over Spain to 
Italy UHF & HF all of the way. Next 5 over No ATL and Europe had to swap 
crystals for several FIR sectors even though we were ID as Italian Air 
Force and our tail number. We were plug and play until one French FIR 
sector no VHF XTAL French man screaming get out of our air space. We 
were in range of USAF base at Monmarte (sp), called their approach 
control on UHF they talked to the very upset French controller. got 
clearance then into another FIR had XTAL, guess what same controller, 
good morning IAF welcome to French Airways please squawk xxxx and ident.
Next 4 trips had correct XTAL no sweat.

Last 4 trips we were a formation of 2 AZ to Italy.
These planes out of dead storage, 100 hour inspection, new de-icer 
boots. anti ice pumps, drop tanks, new squids, auto-feather fully 
operational, plus NEW JATO bottles.

Hank
KN6DI