HyperWar: U.S. Radar: Operational Characteristics [Bombing Aids]

Bombing Aids

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AN/APQ-5 (RC-217) Bombing Attachment to Microwave ASV Sets

Typical Installation of AN/APQ-5

DESCRIPTION: Bombing attachment to microwave ASV sets and Norden bombsight. Set is equipped with an expanded B scope, with range sweeps of 1 and 10 miles.

USES: designed for low altitude (65-4000 ft.) blind bombing of marine targets. Does not interfere with use of Norden bombsight in visual bombing.

PERFORMANCE: Automatically releases bombs on isolated radar target selected and tracked by bombardier on AN/APQ-5 indicator.
Average bombing error from center of target from 1000 ft. altitude: range ± 75 ft., deflection ± 125 ft. A bombing run up to 10 miles may be used.

TRANSPORTABILITY: Packed in 4 boxes, weighing a total of 200 lbs.

INSTALLATION: Permanently installed near gyro stabilizer and electrically connected to ASV equipment in heavy bombers equipped with microwave ASV. Installed weight is 125 lbs.

PERSONNEL: Bombardier must have additional training on operation of AN/APQ-5. Radar operator and mechanic normally assigned can perform other functions.

POWER: Requires 350 watts at 110 v 400-800 cycles AC from power supply for basic ASV equipment, plus about 25 watts of 28 v DC.

DESCRIPTION:	Bombing attachment to microwave ASV sets and Norden bombsight. Set is equipped with an expanded B scope, with range sweeps of 1 and 10 miles.
USES:	designed for low altitude (65-4000 ft.) blind bombing of marine targets. Does not interfere with use of Norden bombsight in visual bombing.
PERFORMANCE:	Automatically releases bombs on isolated radar target selected and tracked by bombardier on AN/APQ-5 indicator. Average bombing error from center of target from 1000 ft. altitude: range ± 75 ft., deflection ± 125 ft. A bombing run up to 10 miles may be used.
TRANSPORTABILITY:	Packed in 4 boxes, weighing a total of 200 lbs.
INSTALLATION:	Permanently installed near gyro stabilizer and electrically connected to ASV equipment in heavy bombers equipped with microwave ASV. Installed weight is 125 lbs.
PERSONNEL:	Bombardier must have additional training on operation of AN/APQ-5. Radar operator and mechanic normally assigned can perform other functions.
POWER:	Requires 350 watts at 110 v 400-800 cycles AC from power supply for basic ASV equipment, plus about 25 watts of 28 v DC.

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*AN/APS-15 Microwave ASV and High Altitude Bombing Set

AN/APS-15 in B-17

DESCRIPTION: Airborne microwave search set for installation in large and medium patrol bomber aircraft. Provides both ground and slant range, relative and true bearing of target, and true bearing of aircraft on "PPI" scopes, furnished to operator and pilot. Sometimes described as H₂X.

USES: For locating and homing on friendly or enemy surface craft and on coastlines; for general navigation; and for bombing of marine, coastal, and land targets of pronounced definition. Set has provisions for operating on racon (AN/CPN-6) and IFF connections for identification of targets.

PERFORMANCE: Reliable maximum ranges: harbor buoys, 15 nautical miles; 5,000 ton ship, 40 nautical miles; large coastal city, 95 nautical miles. Minimum range is 200 yards. Range accuracy, ± 1%. Covers 360° of bearing with accuracy in bombing of ± ¹/4 mile. Antenna is designed to give coverage at all elevation angles between 0° and 80° without changing tilt.

TRANSPORTABILITY: Packed in 7 units for shipment, and weighing a total of 760 lbs. Largest unit measures 59¹/2" x 47" x 29" and weighs 370 lbs.

INSTALLATION: Installed weight in B-24 is 370 lbs. Effect on plane's speed is negligible.

PERSONNEL: One operator and one maintenance man per set are required by Army. Navy requires one operator per set and 4 maintenance men per squadron.

POWER: Total primary power required: (a) from combination AC-DC primary generator -- 10 amps. 27.5 volts DC and 1050 watts 115 V 400-2400 cycles AC; or (b) from DC primary generator, requiring use of motor alternator -- 70 amps. 27.5 V DC.

* Available for issue in latter part of 1943.

DESCRIPTION:	Airborne microwave search set for installation in large and medium patrol bomber aircraft. Provides both ground and slant range, relative and true bearing of target, and true bearing of aircraft on "PPI" scopes, furnished to operator and pilot. Sometimes described as H₂X.
USES:	For locating and homing on friendly or enemy surface craft and on coastlines; for general navigation; and for bombing of marine, coastal, and land targets of pronounced definition. Set has provisions for operating on racon (AN/CPN-6) and IFF connections for identification of targets.
PERFORMANCE:	Reliable maximum ranges: harbor buoys, 15 nautical miles; 5,000 ton ship, 40 nautical miles; large coastal city, 95 nautical miles. Minimum range is 200 yards. Range accuracy, ± 1%. Covers 360° of bearing with accuracy in bombing of ± ¹/4 mile. Antenna is designed to give coverage at all elevation angles between 0° and 80° without changing tilt.
TRANSPORTABILITY:	Packed in 7 units for shipment, and weighing a total of 760 lbs. Largest unit measures 59¹/2" x 47" x 29" and weighs 370 lbs.
INSTALLATION:	Installed weight in B-24 is 370 lbs. Effect on plane's speed is negligible.
PERSONNEL:	One operator and one maintenance man per set are required by Army. Navy requires one operator per set and 4 maintenance men per squadron.
POWER:	Total primary power required: (a) from combination AC-DC primary generator -- 10 amps. 27.5 volts DC and 1050 watts 115 V 400-2400 cycles AC; or (b) from DC primary generator, requiring use of motor alternator -- 70 amps. 27.5 V DC.

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[B L A N K]

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