[Milsurplus] ARC 65 vs ARC 58

[Boeing377]

Bruce gentry wrote: 


I wonder if 
nyone besides Collins took SSB seriously, the conversion of the RCA 
RC-21 to the ARC-65 was really awful compared to the Collins ARC-58.


No doubt the ARC 58 was the more reliable rig (by a LOT according to retired USAF and ANG radio techs I have spoken with). The ARC 65, when running, was actually a pretty good radio. This isnt just folklore, the 58 and 65 participated in a USAF sponsored test. The 65 won.

In a USAF sponsored round the world flight test of airborne RTTY conducted by Hughes Aircraft Co. the ARC 65 consistently outperformed the ARC 58. Both sets were flown aboard a T 29, (mil version of Convair 340?). Many times in marginal conditions the ARC 65 got through when the 58 couldn't. The best the 58 could do was match the 65. It never beat it in this test. 

73,
Mark
AF6IM