Details Inside of B-36J Peacemaker 52-2220's K-3A Radar Bombing/Navigation System at NMUSAF

[@B36HPeacemaker]

For those of you whose existence depends on my temperature and humidity reports, you have my most sincere apology for not including them in this video.

[@johnwatson3948]

0:33 - This was a great revelation, as had sat in that seat in 2220 on three occasions and never noticed the T-19 IFM (actually at that time would not have known what it was) - now have two T-19’s of my own but didn’t think they were used on the B-36. The T-19 had more bomb functions than the T-18’s on the pilot’s dashboard, which might explain this one being at the Bombardier/Radar Observer’s station.

[@B36HPeacemaker]

I’d love to know exactly what the IFM boxes did as well as the differences in models.

[@johnwatson3948]

Basically the IFM’s just told that the bombs systems were working, and that the bomb would function when dropped. I think the T-19 could check more things and possibly change the altitude burst setting, but not sure about this. Don’t think have more on the differences but will check.

[@chriscowlan3603]

Thanks for sharing this more in depth view. It was a pleasure meeting you Saturday at the event. One question, what would be the source of the radiation in the aircraft? Is it instrumental such as tritium?

[@B36HPeacemaker]

To the best of my knowledge, the worst offender in the radar/nav compartment would be the thorium in the Y3 bombsight that improved optics. I am sure there are switches and potentiometers that are hot as several in my collection are radioactive. This aircraft is too modern to contain radium paint in the gauges, with little exception. A way's back, I made a video that features B-36 component radiation.

[@MrPhantomFury]

The thumbnail reminded me of Mr.Carlson's Lab ! lol XD

[@sbreheny]

The BOMARC radioactivity is probably due to the use of Mag-Thor alloy (Magnesium-Thorium) in its construction. This alloy is no longer used because of radioactive hazards but it had very good creep resistance at elevated temperatures.

[@sbreheny]

Is the radiation concern from radium dials?

[@B36HPeacemaker]

There are not many radium dials on the B-36. All optical equipment used thorium in their lenses, so that is a concern. I have tons of B-36 artifacts and it’s difficult to find one that is not radioactive.