[Milsurplus] ARC 65 vs ARC 58

[Mike Morrow]

> Everyone must understand the urgency for reliable
> communications in the 1950's and 60's.

And 1970s, 1980s, 1990s etc.

The most important function for a nuclear delivery C and C
system is *reception* of the Emergency Action Message
and Permissive Action Link codes by the delivery asset.
Many here can recall those frequently heard "Sky King this
is Democrat do not answer..." broadcasts on HF USB in decades
past.

Strategic assets do not spend much time transmitting anything.
My SSBN 35 years ago, if all went well, on a 70-day patrol transmitted only on a commercial VHF-FM marine handie-talkie,
only when leaving and returning to port.  AN/BRR-3 receivers
were the heart of the one-way SLBM C and C comms (and PALs
were not part of SLBM control until a couple of decades ago.)

Regardless of that, the USAF appeared to want more transmitter
power.  The RT-128A/ARC-21, in spite of only a 100 w output
output *rating*, is likely the AM power champion in pre-SSB
times.  The USB version RT-400/ARC-65 is 400 w-pep, while
the R-761 and T-605/ARC-58 is 1000 w-pep.

BTW, there was a commercial version of the AN/ARC-58...the
18Z-3.  The R-761 part was the 618C-3.  Collins commercial
model numbers never were overly logical.

FWIW, to me the AN/ARC-58 (B-52) and the AN/BRR-3 (SSBN) are
the best examples of cold war strategic communications gear
that will ever be reasonably easily obtained.

Mike / KK5F