EQUIPMENT UPGRADING

THE B-3 AND B-6 DRIFTMETERS

For the Doppler radar system to provide accurate aircraft position, it had to be set initially over an accurately known geographical point, in relation to a Doppler zero point (DZP), and periodically updated throughout the flight with new Doppler set points (DSP). This was normally accomplished by the navigator usnig the gyro-stabilized optical B-3 or B-6 driftmeter. The aircraft was flown over an exactly known location, with the navigator giving the pilot directions, until the desired point appeared within the reticle of the driftmeter optics. The navigator then compensated for any error (three meters per reticle per 1,000 feet AGL) and made his Doppler set. Plans were in the mill at mid-1970 for day-night driftmeters to be installed in the 460th's EC-47s, the better to accomplish the night mission.

OTHER EQUIPMENT

The equipment previoously described was essential to the ARDF portion of the mission. Other equipment was necessary for the COMINT portion, although the ALR-38 provided significant inputs with its frequency spectrum reaching up into the VHF range. Communications data collection consisted of a "Y" and two "Z" consoles in CCZ-configured aircraft. The "Y" console could accept monitor/record inputs from either the ALR 34/35/38 or from VHF and the long wire antenna. This communications data collection console could monitor amplitude modulated (AM), continuous wave (CW), The "Y" operator also had access to FM (frequency modulated), HF (high frequency), and UHF (ultra high frequency) transceivers. The position also contained ciphered transmission control, and on those aircraft configured for communications disruption could control two jamming channels.

THE "Z" CONSOLES

The CCZ EC-47s were also configured for installation of two additional communications data collection stations. These were known as Z1 and Z2, Z1 being located forward of teh "Y" console and Z2 located aft. The Z1 housed two receivers - either two HF receivers, or one HF and one VHF receiver. The Z2 console housed two HF receivers. Both consoles contained magnetic tape recorders for recording communications data from the receiver outputs. The "Y" console also housed a recorder which permitted the output of either or both receivers to be taped wihle the operator was engaged in analysis of another signal.

It is apparent that, with two receivers in each of the "Z" consoles, two in the "Y" console, and one in the ALR 34/35/38, in addition to three recorders, each CCZ aircraft was capable of collecting a great deal of communications data simultaneously.

THE KY-8 SCRAMBLER

Secure air-to-ground communications data exchange was made possible with the installation of the additional UHF and VHF tranceivers in the back and without disruption of routine aircraft communications from the cockpit. Secure speech through either of these was made possible by the addition of the KY-8 scrambler, a speech security device which operated in various radio systems to permit secure transmissions of classified of sensitive information over open channels. It was used for real-time dissemination of fixes of communications data to Direct Support Units, (DSUs), and other intelligence or operational agencies.