Description
Airtron Canada WR-90 Flexible X-Band Radar Waveguide Assembly, P/N 435-17-0942, September 1959
Item Overview
This pressure-sealed flexible waveguide assembly was manufactured by Airtron Canada during the early Cold War. It carried high-power X-band microwave energy between radar components, much like a cable carries an electrical signal. The assembly is marked with a September 1959 cure date and was designed for use in pressurized airborne radar equipment.
Identification and Features
This assembly uses WR-90 rectangular waveguide and a flexible metal body covered by a molded protective jacket. Its markings record the part number, test frequency, pressure rating, and electrical performance. It is an aircraft radar component and contains no explosive material.
- Manufacturer: Airtron Canada
- Product family: Airtron Flexaguide
- Part or drawing number: 435-17-0942
- Waveguide size: WR-90
- Normal frequency range: Approximately 8.2–12.4 GHz
- Marked test range: 8700–9300 MC/SEC, or approximately 8.7–9.3 GHz
- Internal opening: Approximately 0.900 × 0.400 inch
- Marked VSWR: Less than 1.10
- Marked pressure test: 45 PSIG
- Cure date: September 1959
- AC 34005 marking: Probably a serial, job, or inspection number; its exact meaning remains unverified
- Status: Non-explosive military-surplus radar component
How the Waveguide Worked
A waveguide directs microwave energy through a hollow metal passage instead of using a center wire. The flexible, interlocked metal construction allowed technicians to route the assembly around equipment and absorb aircraft movement and vibration. Its molded silicone-rubber jacket supported the waveguide during flexing and helped keep the interior airtight for pressurized service. The marked VSWR of less than 1.10 indicates that the assembly was designed to return very little radar energy toward the transmitter.
Radar-System Application
The 435-17 engineering-number pattern and related waveguide records support connection to Hughes E-series airborne fire-control radar equipment. Systems in this broad family were installed in Cold War interceptors such as the F-86D/K/L Sabre, F-89D Scorpion, F-94C Starfire, and CF-100 Canuck. These aircraft used nose-mounted radar to locate and track targets in darkness or poor weather. The exact aircraft and radar model that used P/N 435-17-0942 have not been verified, so this assembly should not be assigned to one specific interceptor without further documentation.
Historical Background
Radar-guided interceptors became an important part of North American and NATO air defense during the 1950s. Their fire-control systems joined a receiver-transmitter, antenna, computer, controls, and other electronic units. Pressurized X-band waveguides carried radar energy between these components while helping prevent moisture, electrical arcing, and signal loss. Period Airtron advertising described Flexaguide as flexible metal waveguide enclosed in a molded Silastic silicone-rubber jacket for severe operating conditions and pressurized installations.
Condition
This is an original military-surplus assembly dating from 1959. It may show scratches, jacket wear, discoloration, hardened rubber, small cracks, oxidation, flange wear, handling marks, or other signs of age and storage. It has not been tested for microwave performance or pressure retention and is offered as a historical collectible, research piece, or display component rather than operational radar equipment. This listing includes the waveguide assembly only; radar units, antenna equipment, mounting hardware, and aircraft components are not included unless specifically stated.
Ideal For
This unusual component is well suited for collections and exhibits covering early airborne radar, microwave engineering, Cold War interceptor aircraft, and military electronics.
- Cold War aviation collections
- Aircraft radar displays
- Microwave engineering exhibits
- Hughes fire-control-system research
- Military electronics collections
- Aviation museums and educational displays
Approx length 5", Approx width 3", Approx height 2", Approx weight 0.5lbs.
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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