[Milsurplus] Re: ARC-58 (was B25 Aircraft Maintenance Manual - Radio System)

[Mike Morrow]

>So which airplanes got ARC-58s and which got ARC-65s?  I would assume
>the ARC-58s were superior to the ARC-65s, but there must have been
>a lot of the latter around.

The RCA AN/ARC-65 USB set was a re-work of the AN/ARC-21 AM set.  Overall, its technology pre-dated that of the competing Collins AN/ARC-58.  The AN/ARC-58 USB/LSB/ISB set at 1000 watts PEP was considerably lighter, smaller, and easier to man-handle for servicing, since the two largest units of the AN/ARC-58 were ATR-sized cabinets weighing about 50 lbs. each, and that included the 400 cps power supply.  Compare that to the 18-inch diameter drum-shaped RT-400/ARC-65 that weighed 145 lb., NOT including power supply, and was rated for only 400 watts PEP.

At Blytheville AFB in the mid- and late-1960s, all the B-52G and H models and the KC-135 tankers carried the AN/ARC-58.  I don't know when the AN/ARC-58 was phased out, but it is a true Cold Warrior.

I found most of the major AN/ARC-58 components off ebay for less than $200 total, including shipping.

Mike / KK5F