[303rd-Talk] B-17 IFF Switch

[Gary Moncur]

>> 
> http://tinyurl.com/256akq
> 

This is all very interesting.  Looking at the panel, it appears that 
you could either leave the three lights on all the time, off all the 
time, or flash them with the keying switch -- or any combination of 
the above. The light bulb in the upper left corner would light up 
when the keying switch was pushed.  I think the three lights were 
located under the left wing.

I don't know if there was any IFF other than visual on aircraft in 
WWII.  There is another similar unit with 4 and switches controlling 
4 lights that was said to be used on B-29s.

On this Memphis Belle site
http://aircraftwalkaround.hobbyvista.com/b-17_mbelle/b-17_mbelle.htm
there is the info below, describing this photo:
http://aircraftwalkaround.hobbyvista.com/b-17_mbelle/b-
17_belle_12.jpg

"Radio operator´s table. Once again, the destruction of vandals is 
horribly evident. The black unit with the red dot was an impact 
operated destruct switch for the IFF unit. The control for the IFF 
was mounted on the bracket just to its right. "

I don't know of they are talking about the same unit or not.

Thanks to everyone for their input.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving,
Gary