Description
1963 Computing Devices of Canada PHI-4/MAP Navigation-System Test Fixture, P/N TQ-094478
Item Overview
This 1963 PHI-4 navigation-system test fixture was manufactured in Canada by Computing Devices of Canada Ltd. Its confirmed part number is TQ-094478, and its identification plates date it to April 1963. This was laboratory or factory ground-support equipment used to test aircraft navigation electronics. It was not installed in an aircraft cockpit and is not the PHI-4 indicator itself. The fixture is an uncommon surviving example of Canadian Cold War avionics testing equipment associated with the CF-104 and F-104G Starfighter program.
Identification and Features
The manufacturer, part number, date, and test-fixture function are confirmed by the surviving plates and panel markings. The red inscription “FOR USE WITH PHI4/MAP ONLY,” the “MAP-4” marking on the Canadian government property plate, and a Canadair Lab Test sticker provide strong evidence that the fixture supported PHI-4 equipment connected with Canadair’s Military Assistance Program work.
- Equipment: PHI-4/MAP navigation-system test fixture
- Manufacturer: Computing Devices of Canada Ltd.
- Part number: TQ-094478
- Manufacturing date: April 1963
- System: PHI-4 Position and Homing Indicator
- Panel inscription: “FOR USE WITH PHI4/MAP ONLY”
- Property-plate marking: MAP-4
- Additional marking: Canadair Lab Test sticker
- Original equipment class: Laboratory or factory ground-test equipment
- Aircraft-installed component: No
- Condition: Inert surplus equipment; operating status unverified
Original Test Function
This fixture allowed technicians to operate and check PHI-4 navigation equipment without placing the complete system inside an aircraft. Its controls could simulate aircraft information such as inertial heading, airspeed, Tactical Air Navigation range and range rate, and X/Y distance. Panel meters, switches, connectors, and test points allowed technicians to examine the PHI-4’s synchro signals, navigation outputs, and connections with the aircraft’s autopilot. This helped locate faults, check repaired equipment, and confirm that navigation components responded correctly before being approved for service.
PHI-4 Navigation System
PHI means Position and Homing Indicator. The PHI-4 worked as part of the Starfighter’s navigation system rather than as a complete inertial navigator by itself. The aircraft’s LN-3 inertial system measured movement and calculated velocity and distance. Distance information was then sent to the PHI-4, which helped provide position and homing information for the pilot. The system also worked with heading, air-data, TACAN, autopilot, and other aircraft signals. This combination supported accurate navigation during high-speed, low-level, and poor-weather missions.
CF-104 and F-104G Starfighter History
Lockheed developed the F-104 Starfighter during the 1950s as a lightweight, high-speed fighter. The later F-104G was strengthened and equipped for the fighter-bomber, reconnaissance, and strike roles required by NATO air forces. Canadair built the CF-104 under license for the Royal Canadian Air Force, and the aircraft entered Canadian service in 1962. Canadian CF-104 squadrons served in Western Europe as part of Canada’s NATO commitment. Their duties included low-level strike, reconnaissance, training, and readiness for operations during a major conflict.
Canadair and the Military Assistance Program
Canadair produced 200 CF-104 aircraft for Canada and also built 140 F-104G Starfighters through the U.S.-supported Military Assistance Program. Canadair-built MAP aircraft were supplied to allied air forces that included Denmark, Norway, Greece, and Turkey. The fixture’s MAP-4 property marking, Canadair Lab Test sticker, 1963 date, and PHI4/MAP inscription closely match the period of this production work. These details make Canadair’s MAP F-104G program the probable original setting for this fixture, although no located manual or parts list directly cross-references part number TQ-094478 to a specific aircraft contract or production batch.
History of Use
A specialized fixture of this type would normally have remained in an avionics laboratory, factory test department, overhaul shop, or depot rather than traveling aboard an aircraft. Technicians could connect compatible PHI-4 equipment to the fixture, apply simulated flight information, and compare the resulting readings with approved limits. This work helped detect wiring faults, calibration errors, weak components, and incorrect navigation or autopilot outputs. The Canadair label suggests factory or laboratory use, but its exact facility, department, operators, and service dates have not been documented.
Confirmed Facts and Historical Inference
The equipment type, Computing Devices of Canada manufacturer, April 1963 date, part number TQ-094478, PHI4/MAP inscription, MAP-4 marking, and Canadair Lab Test sticker are physically documented. Its use with PHI-4 navigation equipment is also clear. Assignment to Canadair’s MAP-production F-104G program is a strong historical inference based on the combined markings and production date. It should not be represented as a confirmed fixture for one aircraft, air force, squadron, or serial number without additional records.
Condition and Completeness
This is inert vintage electronic test equipment offered for collecting, display, restoration, or technical study. It may show scratches, dents, oxidation, corrosion, worn paint, faded labels, loose controls, damaged wiring, missing connectors, internal wear, or other signs of age and storage. Its electrical operation, accuracy, calibration, and internal completeness have not been verified. External cables, adapters, manuals, power equipment, PHI-4 units, and other test accessories are not included unless specifically stated. Do not connect this fixture to electrical power until it has been inspected by a qualified vintage-electronics technician. Please check the pictures for the general condition of the item.
Ideal For
This PHI-4/MAP fixture is well suited for collections and exhibits covering Cold War avionics, Canadian aerospace manufacturing, the CF-104 and F-104G Starfighter, military navigation, and historic electronic test equipment.
- CF-104 and F-104G Starfighter collections
- Canadian military-aviation displays
- Canadair and Computing Devices of Canada exhibits
- Cold War avionics collections
- Aircraft navigation and inertial-system displays
- Vintage electronic test-equipment collections
- Aviation museums and technical training exhibits
Approx length 20", Approx width 14", Approx height 11", Approx weight 20lbs.
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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