A-36 Apache instruments

JDK · **Posted:** Sun Mar 11, 2012 8:56 pm

Somewhat nonplussed. Going through the NAA A-36 Apache's flight manual, there are several instruments keyed that beat me (numbers as per manual):
10. Suction gage
18. Flight Indicator

16. Indicator (radar)

Sorry I can't post the diagrams, but 10 is 3rd of four instruments on the top line of the main panel, reading l-r, 18 is lower, near centre and looks like what I'd call the artificial horizon; 16 is just behind the pilot's left shoulder.

Obviously this made sense to a USAAF pilot of 1943, but I don't know what they might be; can anyone explain? (They may be the same as equivalents in later P-51s, and probably the same as Allison-powered early P-51 Mustangs.)

TIA!

Forgotten Field · **Posted:** Sun Mar 11, 2012 9:23 pm

Not sure what you are asking, but here is what I'd guess.

10. If the manual is showing a 1 7/8" gauge (smaller type) that goes 0-10 inches, it is used to monitor the vacuum in the system for working the artificial horizon (called flight indicator here), the turn and bank, and any other items operated off suction.

18. As you thought, probably Artificial Horizon. Flight Indicator is period nomenclature.

16. An audible warning, like an electric horn, similar to the stall horn, for rear aircraft warning radar. Also called tail warning radar. The actual buzzer/bell is about 4 inches in diameter, round, about 3 inches tall. They squeal like a modern stall warning horn.

JDK · **Posted:** Mon Mar 12, 2012 12:15 am

Thanks, FF,
Sorry I wasn't clear - but you've answered the question anyway! That all makes great sense, cheers.

Just to clarify, one point (for interest...)

Quote:

16. An audible warning, like an electric horn, similar to the stall horn, for rear aircraft warning radar. Also called tail warning radar. The actual buzzer/bell is about 4 inches in diameter, round, about 3 inches tall. They squeal like a modern stall warning horn.

So was that to detect an aircraft with radar 'painting' your aircraft, or just an early version of the modern bumper (fender) protection gizmo to tell you there was an (any) aircraft behind you?

Cheers

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Remembering the Sergeant Pilots!

Mike · **Joined:** Tue May 04, 2004 8:54 am **Posts:** 3331

James,

I know that later P-51s had the AN/APS-13 tail warning radar fitted (antennae were visible on either side of the fin) but wasn't aware of it being fitted to A-36s.

This was a rudimentary radar set which detected aircraft flying behind you.

JDK · **Posted:** Mon Mar 12, 2012 2:58 am

Thanks Mike. Makes sense. I am familiar with the AN/APS-13 from Mike VDBC's great work on Happy Jack's that he kindly shared with us for the book about the airplane-that-can't-be-named.

so I knew it wasn't that.

JohnTerrell · **Posted:** Mon Mar 12, 2012 9:46 am

While I don't know how "radar" fits into the mix, I do know of an indicator that was positioned right behind the pilot's left shoulder, that being the BC-767 Indicator Lamp Box (as the NAA drawings refer to it). It was mounted in this position on all P-51A/A-36/P-51B/C related production. However, the most I know about it is that I believe it simply provided a visual warning for the radio/IFF detonation, which was activated by pressing the two detonation buttons available on the right-hand side of the cockpit.

Here's a photo from the American Aero Services Facebook page, showing the BC-767 Indicator mounted on the Collings Foundation A-36 (it being the box with the two red lights). It is mounted next to what the drawings refer to as the "BC-706 Destroyer Swt."

JDK · **Posted:** Wed Mar 14, 2012 5:26 pm

Forgot to say 'thanks John' for that nugget! Check your PMs.

Cheers,

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A-36 Apache instruments

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