This is another gem out of the estate I bought. I am still going through the collection of manuals, most of which are originals. Needless to say, this one jumped out at me! I think it may have been Scott Crossfields copy, can't confirm it, but it's a distinct possibility.
Original X-15 Flight Manual
- Thread starter Gary Cain
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manta22
Banned
Is there any mention of a UHF voice transceiver made by the Cubic Corporation in these manuals?
- Thread starter
- #3
If you can give me models that they made I will look. There is no mention of manufacturers in the manual.
manta22
Banned
Cubic Corporation Model TR-31 "UHF XCVR" I've seen a photo of it mounted behind the pilot's head in an exotic aircraft or spacecraft but I can't remember just what it was.
- Thread starter
- #5
Interestingly enough, each X-15 was slightly different from each other. However, they all used the same UHF control head which is pictured at the bottom of the image. That instrument didn't change between aircraft.
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ThomasP
Senior Master Sergeant
I think the TR-31 was used primarily for flight data/telemetry, but could be switched over to voice transmission/reception in case of emergency.
manta22
Banned
Possibly- thank you.
On another note, back in the '70s I bought a tape recorder at a Tucson aircraft salvage yard. It was unusual in that it was made by Airesearch and featured a stacked coaxial reel layout. The case was thick machined aluminum and painted International Orange. I made a few calls, trying to find out information about it and I was eventually referred to an AF Colonel. I described it over the phone and he told me that it had been used for collecting flight test data in the F-14 development program. I mentioned that it still had a full reel of tape mounted in it- "WHAT???" he yelled in the phone. I agreed to send that tape to him and never heard anything more about it. I still have that recorder, though.
ThomasP
Senior Master Sergeant
I might be misremembering, but I think the unit was carried on a lot of the early space program ships (ie some of the X-craft, Mercury, Gemini). I remember seeing it in slightly out of the way positions but sill within reach of the pilot if needed.
It might have been used for something as simple as a timed/pulse coded IFF transponder.
It might have been used for something as simple as a timed/pulse coded IFF transponder.
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manta22
Banned
I wish I could remember what aircraft it was installed in, in the photo I saw.
ThomasP
Senior Master Sergeant
IIRC I saw it installed in the Mercury space capsule over/behind the astronaut's (right?) shoulder, and the in Bell X-1, among others.
