Predecessor to Operation Phyllis Ann

By:  Joe Martin

Here's what I've uncovered so far from USAF records:
The earliest mention I've come across of USAF ARDF activities in SEA was a
project (ca. 1962) called HILO HATTIE using a C-54. A second project-- perhaps
the precursor to HAWKEYE -- was called MONA HI. A C-97 under the name BRAVE
BULL is also mentioned, but I'm not sure it was ARDF (or even SIGINT) related.

I've seen virtually NOTHING on any of these, so anything is news (at least to
me!)

HAWKEYE was the prototype C-47 ARDF project.  Aircraft 45-00925 was fitted
with a "breadboard" system and was deployed to VN between Feb and July 1964.
Evidently results were not entirely satisfactory and the bird was returned to
CONUS for further modification. A second round of tests began on 31 OCT 65.
This time results were VERY good and 925 stayed in VN until it was returned
to CONUS in Aug 66 for upgrade to "production"  standard ARDF gear. Aircraft
925 was still going strong when I left in Dec 71, and one source lists it as
eventually being turned over the VNAF. 

DRILL PRESS was the name of a "collection only" project involving 43-16254 and
45-00919.  Apparently, these aircraft were deployed to VN separately from the
PHYLLIS ANN birds. A message of commendation went out to the Army and USAF
people who "on short notice, planned and executed a Drill Press mission on the
night of 2 September [66] in response to NATIONAL LEVEL [my emphasis]
requirements.