[303rd-Talk] B-17 IFF Switch

[bill runnels]

Hi Gary,
  I don't know a lot about the IFF (identification friend/foe) unit operation but I will share what I know. Between the pilots on the central control panel and pedestal, two switches and a keying button permitted signalling with any combination of the four lights.  The 303rdBG procedures for night take-off and assembly, instructed the CoPilot to flash the letter of their aircraft while taxing out in the darkness. As I recall,  each squadron was assigned a different color. The pilots also had access to destroyer switches (2) that were to be used when abandoning the aircraft over enemy territory. These switches set off a detonator in the receiver located in the radio compartment, the unit you presented a picture of, that would destroy the receiver internally but not damage the aircraft or harm the radio operator.
   
  As I am sure you know, the IFF was coded while the aircraft was on the ground and this code was changed daily. It was a very important piece of equipment. During crew assembly training in the US, in our case, Gulfport, Mississippi, the bombardier would check out a portable type IFF, take it to the aircraft and turn it on.  This was done for security purposes if operating out of a field near the coast line or gulf.
   
  Hope this helps a little bit. I don't want you to think my memory is this good after 60 plus years, I did refer to some manuals that helped refresh it.  HA
   
  Bill runnels 
   
  

Gary Moncur <glm at 303rdBG.com> wrote:
  
To: Radio Operators or anyone who knows ....

This link shows the IFF unit used in B-17s. It was said to be 
mounted in the radio room with a destruct button beside it. Is that 
correct? Can anyone explain its operation -- how the colored light 
switches and keying switch were used?

http://tinyurl.com/256akq

Thanks,
Gary

-- Gary L. Moncur
303rd Bomb Group (H)
http://www.303rdBG.com

_______________________________________________
303rd-Talk mailing list
303rd-Talk at 303rdBG.com
http://lists.303rdbg.com/mailman/listinfo/303rd-talk