I agree with Trumper’s initial comments regarding Nav/Rad’s.

I’ve learned a lot having been involved with preserving and researching Phantom stuff this last 20 years, the job of the Nav/Rad, or RIO, was a very demanding, both intellectually and physically. Operating highly complex kit at night, head down on the set and with a myriad of knobs, buttons and settings to manipulate all the while manoeuvring (inc high “g”) and maintaining situational awareness. They were more than “talking baggage” as pilot’s are often fond of saying – albeit tongue in cheek – and crucial to mission success.

Hats off to Navs – and I thoroughly enjoyed Peter Verney’s personal story on another thread.

Anon.