[Milsurplus] The R-1/ARR-1 and ARR-2 Receivers

[William Donzelli]

> I believe that the original ZB actually pre-dates WWII a little, and
> it seems to me that it was likely quickly eclipsed by the AN/ARR-2
> which fit in a standard AN/ARC-5 receiver rack slot and was much
> simpler to install and more versatile to use.

The prototype, from NRL, was running in 1937, I think. I do not know when
the real stuff started getting fleet installations, but the early
contracts are from late 1938 or 39. It is quite reasonable to think that
they could have been in active service by 1940. I suppose the thing to do
is to ask the ship geeks, as the YE antenna was quite distictive at the
time, as well as being top dog on the superstructure.

AN/ARR-2 (aka "ZBX") probably started to get out by mid to late 1943. 

> I seek info to determine if/where/when the USAAF used the system.  
> Most of the R-1/ARR-1 units actually have Signal Corps type nameplates
> with SC contract numbers on them, to pair up with a BC-946/FT-310 BCB
> unit.

They were used to get bombers back to the tiny airfields in the
Pacific. The YG beacon was cheap and cheesy version of the YE, made for
land use. It would not be suprising, however, if some small escort CVs had
YGs.

> It is very common to find AN/ARR-2(*) sets that were overhauled as
> late as 1956, and the AN 16-30ARR2-2 maintenance manual was revised at
> least as late as 1 MAY 54.  It appears that this homing system had a
> long post-WWII career.

There are even rare 1950s panel mount /ARR-2 control boxes.

The British also used the system. Their control boxes are slightly
modified from the US versions.

William Donzelli
aw288 at osfn.org