[Milsurplus] RS-6 Radio use

[Mike Morrow]

Kees wrote:

>I now have a copy of "Emergency Rescue Manual 64-1",
>"SURVIVAL ON THE ICE CAP, COLD SEAS, SEA ICE OF
>THE NORTHEAST AREA" dated 15 September 1959
>published by Headquarters Eight Air Force.
>
>It indicates ....
>
>2) Radio kit, long range, type RS-6, will be carried as specified
>by type aircraft, on all flights manuvering outside the ZI when
>overflying continental land masses and /or ice covered water 
>masses. On overwater flights and/or water flights within the
>Zone of Interior carrying of the RS-6 kit will be at the discretion
>of the division or wing commander.

Hi Kees,

Thanks for the interesting info, which is concrete official documentation at last for the usage of the RS-6.  I've always been doubtful of the "spy radio" designation that seems to get eagerly applied to the RS-1 and RS-6 sets.  I'd bet only the very smallest fraction of these sets ever actually served as a "spy radio."

"Zone of interior" (ZI) doubtless meant, more or less, the continental U.S.  I guess flights outside the ZI that were NOT over land or ice-covered water (in other words, they were flights over liquid water) wouldn't need an RS-6 because it might be impractical to use in the water!

I have to agree with many who evaluate the RS-6 as awkward to use.  A one- or two-piece set would have been much better as an emergency radio than the goofy four-unit RS-6.  Still, you gotta' love that fold-down Morse key!

73,
Mike / KK5F