I still think it’s ZF583. If only for the reason of putting the two pictures from the OP and the one I signposted together, looking at the vertical weathering lines on the fin and others on the fuselage, the obvious repair on the fin?? Seem a good match to me??

OP Picture: https://abpic.co.uk/pictures/view/1108793

ZF583 picture: https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7285/16726854140_f412c0f3e4_b.jpg

I think the two are uncannily similar but, just my thoughts?

GYD

Having done a quick google image search of all the ex saudi/RAF registered F-53s, this one seems to be the only one with the obvious ‘repair’ to the fin:

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7285/16726854140_f412c0f3e4_b.jpg

And if you perhaps, squint on the OP’s picture, a faint 83? can be made out??

GYD

Looking at the picture that the OP posted, the nose intake markings and small, very bright roundels suggest an ex-Saudi F-53 rather than an ex-RAF F-6?

GYD

Hi Brightspark180,

Your first handle, I very nearly had a ‘pop’ at it myself, when it appeared as it has a very early Dunlop drawing number. I suspect it was probably fitted to Piston Provost export aircraft that had weapon firing capability, given the uncanny resemblance of the Provost brake handle and upper column and no such provision on the original Hunting column??

The second handle sure looks Javelin and the upper knuckle of the column is Javelin but, the number you have quoted doesn’t appear in my Javelin list for some reason? Nearest I can find is AC 14284, then it jumps to AC 61046 however, the date of my references are unknown and there may (probably is, your handle included), another modification for this handle number. I am not sure exactly when Dunlop changed from the ‘1’ to the ‘6’ initial number but it is possible that the AC 61046 could be a straight admin swap under the new numbering system for your handle, my theory, not gospel !! What is the 27J number painted on the lower part of the handle, I might be able to find the modification details in another list.

Martyn

GYD

Hatinthering

Here you go!

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Lockheed-Constellation-Control-Yoke100-Complete-Original-Genuine-Hub-YOK-0103/152787653005?hash=item2392da918d:g:JCcAAOSwI8laC1TH

GYD

Hi Wulfie,

Well, if it is a Dunlop handle like this one marked AC 63304, it was fitted to the Hunter Mk F4, F6, FR10, GA11, F50, F51, F56, F57, F58 and F59.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]256652[/ATTACH]

[ATTACH=CONFIG]256653[/ATTACH]

GYD

Hi AA,

Indeed, there are quite a few companies that manufacture these control handles. Probably the most prolific is ‘Guardian Electric’ however both Mason and Bendix make the B7, B8-A and MC-2 too (as well as the more modern HOTAS styles now seen on the F-15, Harrier and F-18 etc). On contacting Guardian to enquire about the grips some time ago, they say there is no physical difference between the B-8 and the MC-2, just the designation and part number 50C 4719 and 56C 3002 respectively. There does not seem to be any apparent ‘rule’ as to what is fitted to the various types of aircraft although, from what I have seen, most of the US Air Force ‘fighter’ style complete and as removed control sticks that I have in my collection, tend to have an MC-2 and the trainer/second line aircraft and Helicopters the B8/B8A. But as I said, I haven’t seen any specific documentation to confirm my thoughts regarding this.

The US Navy, unlike the US Air Force seemed to develop an individual style grip for the aircraft type for quite a while (F8, F14, FJ-3 & FJ-4, Vigilante etc), but, there are of course many US Naval aircraft sporting the B8 style grip too. When this is the case, the handles generally tend to be of the style with no ‘Amphenol’ connector and the grip ‘slotted’ straight onto the column. However, like all things there are exceptions out there (F9 Panther/Cougar spring to mind)!

The earlier WWII naval aircraft seemed to use a ‘standard’ style grip made by the Naval Aircraft Factory (NAF) with a designation NAF 1173-1, NAF 1173-2 or NAF 1173-3. This last digit denoting the number of switch functions on the grip. These also came in two sizes or heights. The most common seen is the larger of the two, (often seen on e-bay etc advertised as FU-4 Corsair whereas, they were fitted with the shorter style grip made by Vought and therefore having a ‘VS’ part number). The FU-4 were also seen with the shorter NAF variant as well. As the early jets entered Naval service, many were fitted with a short style grip similar to the B-7 but, manufactured by the Mason Electric Corporation.

Hope that helps?

Martyn

GYD

Hi Anon,

Further to my PM, these are probably more appropriate for XV106:

[ATTACH=CONFIG]256538[/ATTACH]

However, arms wide open for ridicule and correction!

GYD