[MRCA] SCR-283 in early model P-40 aircraft

[Mark K3MSB]

During the recent Reading Airshow, I had several people come in and ask if
I could help them with their future reenactor endeavors.   One of those
fellows (Eric) wants to do a P-40B radio display and asked if I had any
knowledge of an SCR-283 radio system.

I must confess that I was pleasantly surprised that anyone there even knew
what an SCR-283 was.  I told him I knew about the 283, and that I had all
the pieces for a 183 system.  It was his turn to be surprised.   We talked
a while longer.

Afterwards, Eric email me the following:

“ Right now I'm working off the Baugher notes where he mentions that the
P-40C replaced the SCR-283 in the earlier models with the SCR-274N for the
P-40C and beyond. I remember reading somewhere that the first production Es
were fitted with the -283 as well but can't find the reference again yet.
I'm still on the hunt for photos of the radios as actually installed.
There's a large collection of photos available online but the only ones
I've seen so far are for the controls on the right side of the cockpit.
Hopefully with some more searching one will show up.”

Eric also said in an email:

“I've seen references to the P-400 and P-39D on Guadalcanal still carrying
the -283 so they were still in circulation pretty late.”

The “Baugher notes” can be found here:

https://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_fighters/p40_1.html
https://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_fighters/p40_2.html
https://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_fighters/p40_3.html
https://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_fighters/p40_4.html
https://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_fighters/p40_5.html

Eric's comments come from page 5 in the notes.

So, I'd like to find photos of a P-40 with the 283 (or 274N)  installed.
I've been a long time subscriber to Air Classics, and I believe they ran a
multi part article on the P-40 within the past few years.   However, with
all the photos they publish, I'm always looking for radio photo... and they
are indeed hard to come by.

Also, any corroborating evidence on the 283 (or 274N) installed in the P-40
would also be appreciated.  Eric's not interested in the 274N.... I am...

I had a really great response during the airshow when I demoed my 274N.   I
think it would enhance the visitor experience if I had a working 183
alongside it.   As I said,  I'll be moving my 183 restoration up in the
queue to hopefully be ready for the 2027 reenactor season.

Any / all help appreciated!

73 Mark K3MSB
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