[Milsurplus] Trailing Wire Antenna Query

[Mike Morrow]

Taigh wrote:

> Our 1945 Lockheed PV-2D Harpoon used a Navy MT-5 manual reel and I
> believe that most pure navy aircraft did too.
> Here is a good shot of one in what I believe is a Buccaneer 
> http://aussiemodeller.com.au/Images/History/Lang_Vengeance/109.-Cockpit-LH-Rear_V.jpg

Well, no one has better credentials than you, but...that shows a
Bendix *commercial model* MT-5E reel...nothing of distinctly USN
(or even military) pedigree.

I'd be hesitant to expect that this commercial gear was in many USN
aircraft types.  I've seen quite a number of WWII USN aircraft photos
that show the BC-461/RL-42.  For example, Mike Hanz has an excellent set
of photos of a 1944 PB4Y-2 aircraft radio installation in which the
BC-461 is shown at the radio operator's position:

  http://aafradio.org/sidebar/PB4Y2_Line_Maintenance_Manual.html

But still, it would be interesting to know what the USN used before
adopting (apparently) the BC-461/RL-42 trailing wire.

Mike / KK5F