[Milsurplus] subminiature tubes question

[Hue Miller]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Bob Camp" <ham at cq.nu>

> In terms of number of tubes produced I think it's pretty clear that the 
> winner is "almost all".  In addition to the stuff we normally think 
> about using these little things also add to the list:
> 
> Sonabouys
> Proximity Fuses, both in shells an bombs
> Hearing aids
> 

I'd say #2 wins. There had to be 100,000s if not millions produced. Maybe someone
somewhere even has the actual figure, or i'd bet it appears in some history. I think the
actual number of sonobouys actually deployed would be a very small fraction of the
proximity fuse.

> I suspect that the first categories each used more sub min tubes by 
> them selves than all the military radios did. Given the cost drivers on 
> that stuff I'm sure they went with filament tubes rather than the more 
> expensive heater type. No need to spend that extra dime .....
> 

I wouldn't think cost alone would be it. But the heater type would require more
filament power, and that would be likely to be a factor in battery powered 
equipment, wouldn't it?

I think the URC-4 flyer's rescue radio also used mostly subminis. Maybe the
later one, URC-10, also??

> Anybody out there with a proximity fuse collection care to comment ?

Altho these have appeared from time to time for sale, it still amazes me how
thoroughly the stock of millions has been thinned down.
BTW, anyone know the frequency band these things worked in?
-Hue Miller