FFR Canvas Sheets in my ex RAAF Perentie 231198 ??

[John Gordon]

Hi Folks,

my first posting on this forum. I purchased my 9/1990 110 FFR 231198 Winch Truck in August last year from AFM. It is ex Amberley and marked on the tac signs 2 AFDS (2nd Airfield defence Squadron). Included in the limited kit that came with the vehicle were 2 rectangular sheets of Auscam pattern canvas each about the size of a large beach towel. Both stamped 2AFDS. Could anyone provide some insights on what these may be used for? I thought they might have something to do with disguising the large Clark aerials when erected - it still had the Arms attached for 2 Clark masts clamped to the rear body and must have been fitted with Raven sets at a later stage in its career. Sorry no pics as I haven't sorted out how to attach photos.
thanks,

JAG

[AGAS 5]

Hi JAG and welcome to the REMLR forum.

Probably only the adgies can tell us  

I have seen small canvas sheets used as a mini hootchie over genertors before. Usually suspended a foot or so above it. Perhaps it was for that.

Another idea.... how well do they fit over the windscreen ?

Cheers,

Pete

[John Gordon]

Hi Pete,

thanks for your note. They would cover the windscreen however it would only need one. There were 2 Clarke masts original attached to the rear of the vehicle. Someone suggested by screening the Clarke mast with each of the canvas camo sheets would help obscure it and particularly make it difficult to gauge the height and potential radio frequency that may have been in use. Not sure if this makes sense to the radio specialists on this forum. I can take photos and send them to someone to post if that helps.
Jag 

[AGAS 5]

The only canvas on a Clarke mast was a 'sock' over the top section when not in use. Nothing was used for screening the antenna wire.

I'm sure you'll figure it out 

Cheers.

[Carzee]

Hi Jag, welcome and congrats getting the ADG Perentie.
I always liked the F-111s and when transitting one time at Amberley there were several there on the ground testing engines or something. B... loud.
Anyway, a nice touch for your interior would be a F-111 patch... perhaps. Fathers Day is coming...

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/2010-RAAF-Royal-Australian-Air-Force-F-111-Fabric-Patch-/401354605145?hash=item5d72994259:g:0MkAAOSwN6JY9R9H

Or a keyfob...

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/RAAF-6-Squadron-F-111-Remove-Before-Flight-Key-Ring-/331955872671?hash=item4d4a1ca39f:g:7PYAAOSwi0RXy6s7

[John Gordon]

Thanks for the notes folks, I will eventually post some photos which may prompt some memories. Forgot to mention they have no fitted every or straps with which they might be tied down. Re Amberley, previously one of my clients had a maintenance contract for the F111s. I had the opportunity to visit the maintenance facility and look at the F111 up close.

[John Gordon]

Folks, I am attempting my first attachment, a photo of one of the two canvas sheets that came with my FFR.

jag

[John Gordon]

Reverse side, clearly indicating the 2nd Airfield Defence Squadron which agrees with the Tac plates on the Perentie. Note on the first photo, I have included the large disc/spacer I found on a FFR radio antenna base. Does anyone now what radio/aerial it relates to?

jag

[Carzee]

Success with the attachments, thanks for the pics. Pretty good score there.

[AGAS 5]

Reverse side, clearly indicating the 2nd Airfield Defence Squadron which agrees with the Tac plates on the Perentie. Note on the first photo, I have included the large disc/spacer I found on a FFR radio antenna base. Does anyone now what radio/aerial it relates to?

jag

No eyelets on the canvas, so discount the generator cover theory.

I'll ask at work next week, but I think that's an adapter for the HF antenna base.

Thanks for the pics.

[John Gordon]

Thanks for the feedback, the disc will not work with the MX6707 Matching Unit base. Perhaps an earlier type of aerial or a later Raven?

jag

[John Gordon]

On review of some photos of the Raven equipped FFRs, this disc appears to be attached to the base of the short (vehicle side) aerials.

jag

[AGAS 5]

That's the HF antennas....  well, half of them at least. The top bits are missing for both... probably stored whilst in transit.  Good pic... 5/7 RAR !

Cheers.

[John Gordon]

What do they use the large Clark aerials for. Different radio sets, data, or just longer range than the smaller HF aerials?
jag

[AGAS 5]

The Clark mast was introduced into service with RAVEN. But it can be used with other Radio antenna systems. The last I heard is that we might be keeping them in-service beyond RAVEN life of type.

There are a few different antenna configurations .... half-wave dipole or sloping V are two common types:

Cheers