Does anybody know whether the IFF Mk II (R3109 receiver) was ever fitted to the Whirlwind? The November 43 parts AP we have lists the Mk I (R3003) with an addendum for Mod 158, mentioning the Mk III.
From 41 to 43 the Mk II (R3108 / R3109, 12 and 24v respectively) became standard elsewhere – it would be good to confirm it was also standard on the WW during the main part of its active life. I imagine it would also be listed as a mod somewhere – Can anyone help? Perhaps NiallC – or Anneorac?
Cheers,
Matt
By: Beermat - 14th November 2013 at 00:32
Thanks Niall! I think I may have got it wrong anyway, with some sources saying the 3003 was used in the first MkII variant – making a choice of unit for the replica easier..
By: NiallC - 13th November 2013 at 22:00
Matt
Not sure I can really help.
As you know the Whirlwind entered service sans IFF. Neither R.3003 (Mod 28) nor the desert equipment could be accommodated without substantial surgery to the rear fuselage: which was performed very early in ’41 on the (few) aircraft already in service (Mod 53, approved 10/1/41) and incorporated in production at around the same time.
My, admittedly incomplete, modlist, shows no other IFF-related mods until Mod 158 (the last Whirlwind modification that I’m aware of) to introduce IIFF Mk III. This was cancelled shortly afterwards, presumably because the aircraft was due to exit service and both squadrons to re-equip with the Vultee Vengeance. So, nothing specific, yet, re IFF MK II.
I know you guys are committed to ensuring that the outcome of the project is as authentic as it can possibly be, but is there a substantial physical (external) difference between the R.3003 installation and a possible Mk II (R.3061, 3078 or 3109) one?
All the best
Niall
Sign In
November 13, 2013 at 3:08 pm