WIX Archives

Re: destruction switches

Posted by Alan Hulme on Fri Aug 09, 2002 06:28:15 AM

In reply top destruction switches posted by Cees on Fri Aug 09, 2002 02:52:23 AM

Hi Cees,

I think you are referring to switch 5c/540 (four terminals on the rear) or 5c/898 (two terminals). I have a few 5c/898 but 540's are more scarce.

These are the buttons, the guards that fitted around them and prevented accidental firing seem to have differed from type to type.

I imagine that which switch (pushbutton) was used depended on the actual wiring circuit. For example, the ARI 5000 detonator switches on the Lancaster appear to have been 5c/540 with four terminals and therefore it was probably the same on the Halifax.

I have a photocopy of the Halifax V manual somewhere, I'll dig it out and will let you know what the wiring circuits show.

Regards!

Alan
: Hi all,
:
: For the restorers/collectors among you I have a question.
: In the various RAF aircraft buttons are fitted guarded by
: a metal flap marked "danger". These switches/buttons opera
: te the destruction devices fitted to destroy secret equipm
: ent aboard such as Gee, Oboe, whatever.
:
: The Spitfire for instance has two of these fitted on the r
: ight of the fuselage wall, the Halifax (now you know the r
: eason for this question) has two fitted to the left of the
: instrument panel, as well as two on the wireless operator
: s panel.
:
: What is the referencenumber for these button, and are they
: still to be found?
:
: Cheers
:
: Cees

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