Description
Hughes Aircraft Interconnecting Box, P/N 468118-110, NSN 5895-00-837-3441 to the MG-13 F-101B/F Fire-Control System
Item Overview
This original Hughes Aircraft interconnecting box is a Cold War electrical relay and interface unit made for an aircraft gunnery fire-control system. The box is identified as Hughes part number 468118-110 and was first cataloged under Federal Stock Number 1270-649-5929. Its later catalog identity is NSN 5895-00-837-3441. Related Hughes parts and period records connect this equipment family to the MG-13 fire-control system used in the McDonnell F-101B and F-101F Voodoo.
Identification and Features
The official stock name is “Interconnecting Box.” Its sealed metal housing contains relays and other electrical parts used to route signals between fire-control equipment. The two main connections are marked 1J801 and 1J802. The red Cannon 501 pieces are protective connector dust caps, not buttons or operating controls.
- Official name: Interconnecting Box
- Hughes part number: 468118-110
- Original Federal Stock Number: 1270-649-5929
- Later NSN: 5895-00-837-3441
- Manufacturer: Hughes Aircraft Company
- Manufacturer CAGE: 82577
- Connectors: 1J801 and 1J802
- Protective caps: Red Cannon 501 dust caps
- Cataloged internal parts: Two connectors, four capacitors, one crystal, five armature relays, and one thermal relay
- Listed application: Aircraft gunnery fire-control system
- Attributed system: Hughes MG-13 fire-control system
- Attributed aircraft: McDonnell F-101B and F-101F Voodoo
- Status: Non-explosive aircraft electronic component
How the Interconnecting Box Worked
An interconnecting box joined several parts of a fire-control system through a central electrical interface. Signals entered and left through the two connectors, while the internal relays switched circuits as the system operated. The capacitors, crystal, and thermal relay supported the box’s electrical control functions. This unit was one part of a larger installation and could not operate as a complete sight or fire-control system by itself.
MG-13 and F-101 Voodoo Application
The MG-13 and F-101 attribution is supported by other Hughes equipment in the same 468-series engineering-number family. Hughes part number 468855-100 is specifically cataloged for the MG-13 fire-control system used on F-101-series aircraft. Nearby Hughes numbers also identify ballistic-computer, amplifier, directional-coupler, and voltage-regulator equipment associated with fire-control systems. Known examples of P/N 468118-110 bear contracts AF33(600)-37789 and AF33(600)-41393, with serial numbers 135 and 425. This production pattern fits the period when the F-101B and its MG-13 equipment entered service, but the available stock record for P/N 468118-110 leaves the exact end item blank.
Fire-Control System History
The Hughes MG-13 was an advanced radar and computing system developed for the two-seat F-101B interceptor. It helped the crew search for targets, track them, calculate an attack, and control the aircraft’s guided weapons. It could also work with the Semi-Automatic Ground Environment, commonly called SAGE, which linked interceptor aircraft with ground-based air-defense stations. The F-101B carried AIM-4 Falcon guided missiles and AIR-2 Genie rockets rather than an internal cannon. The broad federal term “aircraft gunnery fire-control system” covered equipment used to aim and control aircraft weapons, including missiles and rockets.
Historical Background
The McDonnell F-101 began as a long-range fighter design and later served in tactical, reconnaissance, and air-defense roles. The two-seat F-101B became operational in January 1959 as an all-weather interceptor for the U.S. Air Force Air Defense Command. Its speed, long range, radar, and guided weapons allowed crews to intercept bomber threats during the Cold War. F-101Bs later served with Air National Guard units, while the F-101F provided a dual-control version for training and operational support. Hughes relay boxes and other electronic modules formed the hidden network that connected the aircraft’s radar, controls, computers, and weapons.
Condition
This is an original military-surplus aircraft electronic component. It may show scratches, paint loss, chipped finishes, oxidation, worn markings, old inspection marks, or other signs of age, storage, and handling. Data-plate details, contract numbers, serial numbers, connector caps, and minor hardware may vary between available examples. This listing is for one interconnecting box only; the radar, computing sight, wiring harnesses, mounting hardware, aircraft, and other fire-control components are not included unless specifically pictured or stated. Please check the pictures for the general condition of the item.
Ideal For
This Hughes interconnecting box is well suited for collections and exhibits covering Cold War aircraft electronics, interceptor fire-control systems, and the development of the McDonnell F-101 Voodoo.
- F-101 Voodoo collections
- Hughes Aircraft equipment displays
- Cold War aviation exhibits
- Aircraft fire-control research
- Military avionics collections
- Air-defense history displays
- Museums and educational exhibits
Approx length 9.25", Approx width 5", Approx height 3.56", Approx weight lbs.
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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