Description
Cold War RCAF Radar Antenna Azimuth-Drive Assembly, P/N 435-17-0543
Item Overview
This Cold War-era Royal Canadian Air Force radar component is marked “DRIVE ANTENNA AZIMUTH.” Its servo motor, reduction gearbox, and synchro feedback system were designed to turn an airborne radar antenna from side to side and report its angular position to the fire-control system. The assembly was reconditioned by Canadian Aviation Electronics Ltd. on April 18, 1961. It is offered as an inert, unpowered historical display component; operating condition is unknown.
Identification and Features
The identification plate and component markings document the assembly’s RCAF service number, part number, serial number, and 1961 overhaul. The smaller motor is a 115-volt, 400-Hz aircraft control motor, while the synchro transformer supplied position feedback. These parts allowed the radar antenna to move in a controlled sweep and remain aligned with the radar display and fire-control circuits.
- Marked nomenclature: DRIVE ANTENNA AZIMUTH
- RCAF reference: 8ED/2202
- Assembly part number: 435-17-0543
- Serial number: D1033
- Control-motor part number: 435-17-0389
- Motor power: 115 volts, 400 Hz
- Feedback component: Synchro transformer
- Reconditioned by: Canadian Aviation Electronics Ltd.
- Reconditioned date: April 18, 1961
- System: Hughes MG-2 fire-control system with AN/APG-40 radar
- Aircraft: Avro Canada CF-100 Canuck Mk.4 or Mk.5
- Status: Inert, unpowered, and untested display assembly
How It Worked
In service, electrical commands directed the control motor to rotate the radar antenna in azimuth, meaning horizontally to the left or right. The reduction gearbox lowered motor speed and increased turning force for steady antenna movement. As the antenna moved, the synchro transformer sent an electrical position signal back to the control system. This closed-loop arrangement allowed the fire-control radar to compare the commanded angle with the antenna’s actual position and correct any difference. The assembly did not create or display a radar picture by itself; it was one mechanical and electrical section of a larger airborne radar installation.
Aircraft and Radar Application
The most likely application is the Hughes MG-2 fire-control system and AN/APG-40 radar installed in Avro Canada CF-100 Canuck Mk.4 and Mk.5 interceptors. The RCAF’s CF-100 Mk.4 operating instructions identify the MG-2 as the aircraft’s radar-and-ballistic-computer system for aiming and automatically firing rockets. Canadian Aviation Electronics also performed major MG-2 overhaul work for the RCAF CF-100 program, which supports this attribution. However, an exact surviving parts-catalogue cross-reference for RCAF number 8ED/2202 or P/N 435-17-0543 has not been located, so the CF-100 fitment should be treated as highly probable rather than fully confirmed.
Historical Background
The Avro Canada CF-100 Canuck was a Canadian-designed, twin-engine, all-weather interceptor built for Cold War air defense. The RCAF took the type into service in the early 1950s, and the radar-equipped Mk.4 and Mk.5 versions guarded Canadian airspace and served with NATO squadrons in Europe. Their MG-2 fire-control system used the AN/APG-40 radar to help a two-person crew locate, track, and attack targets at night or in poor weather. CF-100 fighter units were phased out of the front-line interceptor role in 1961 and 1962, but modified aircraft continued in training and electronic-warfare service until 1981. The CF-100 is not known to have fired its weapons in combat, but it spent years on operational air-defense alert during a tense period of the Cold War.
Condition
This is an unrestored surplus radar-drive assembly that was reconditioned in 1961. It may show scratches, paint loss, oxidation, grime, worn labels, storage marks, or other signs of age and service. Electrical and mechanical operation has not been tested. Do not connect this assembly to household power; its control motor requires specialized 115-volt, 400-Hz aircraft power and proper control circuitry. Any inspection or testing should be performed by a qualified technician familiar with vintage aircraft electronics. This listing is for the pictured type of azimuth-drive assembly only; the radar antenna, dish, receiver, indicator, wiring harness, and aircraft are not included unless specifically stated. Please check the pictures for the general condition of the item.
Ideal For
This unusual assembly is well suited for collections and exhibits focused on Canadian military aviation, airborne radar, electromechanical fire-control systems, and Cold War technology.
- Avro Canada CF-100 restoration displays
- RCAF avionics collections
- Hughes MG-2 and AN/APG-40 radar exhibits
- Cold War air-defense displays
- Vintage servo, gearbox, and synchro collections
- Military museums and educational exhibits
Approx length 10", Approx width 6", Approx height 4", Approx weight 5.6lbs.
Pictures are stock images of our inventory. Unless otherwise noted, you will not be receiving the exact item shown in the pictures. The pictures are representative of the item’s general condition. The item you receive might be slightly better, or worse, condition than was shown in the pictures.
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