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HistoryVX-4 HistoryHistory

Circa 1995

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation News Magazine "...Deployments, Change-Of-Command, Awards, Records, Etc. - Naval Aviation News - July - August 1995.." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1990s/1995/ja95.pdf [12NOV2004]

VP History ThumbnailCamera

Circa 1994

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History - Tap To Enlarge ThumbnailCameraVX-4 Disestablishment Contributed by SMITH, PH2 Baron dr.baronsmith@yahoo.com [28MAR2005]


Circa 1992

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation News Magazine "...VX-4: The Best Kept Secret In The Fighter Community - Almost - Naval Aviation News - January-February 1992.." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1990s/1992/jf92.pdf [11NOV2004]

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Circa 1988

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation July-August 1988 "...History - Change-Of-Command - Page 29 - Naval Aviation News - July-August 1988..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1980s/1988/ja88.pdf [21OCT2004]

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Circa 1986

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation March-April 1986 "...Change-Of-Command - Page 31 - Naval Aviation News - March-April 1986..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1980s/1986/ma86.pdf [19OCT2004]

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Circa 1985

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation November-December 1985 "...Reserves - Change-Of-Command - Page 27 to 29 - Naval Aviation News - November-December 1985..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1980s/1985/nd85.pdf [18OCT2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation September-October 1985 "...A Leader In Fighter Weapons And Tactics - Page 26 to 29 - Naval Aviation News - September-October 1985..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1980s/1985/so85.pdf [18OCT2004]

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Circa 1983

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation March 1983 "...History - Change-Of-Command - Page 31 - Naval Aviation News - March 1983..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1980s/1983/ma83.pdf [17OCT2004]

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Circa 1981

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation August 1981 "...History - Change-Of-Command - Page 4, 44 and 47 - Naval Aviation News - August 1981..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1980s/1981/aug81.pdf [14OCT2004]

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Circa 1979

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation August 1979 "...History - Page 22, 23, 27, and 32 - Naval Aviation News - September 1979..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1970s/1979/sep79.pdf [10OCT2004]

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Circa 1978

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation July 1978 "...History - Awards - Page 4, 5 and 31 - Naval Aviation News - July 1978..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1970s/1978/jul78.pdf [09OCT2004]

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Circa 1975

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation July 1975 "...Hurricane Hunters - Page 12 to 15 - Naval Aviation News - July 1975..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1970s/1975/jul75.pdf [03OCT2004]

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Circa 1969

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVX-4 History "...VX-4 History Circa 1969 Photo Analysis Vehicle..." Contributed by Dr. Baron Smith dr.baronsmith@yahoo.com [11NOV2007]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...VX-4 History Circa 1969..." Contributed by Dr. Baron Smith dr.baronsmith@yahoo.com [15OCT2007]

LEFT TO RIGHT

    Crew Pic, Chief Moore Working, Eddie Burke PI and Eddie Burke Pondering.
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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...VX-4 History Circa 1969..." Contributed by Dr. Baron Smith dr.baronsmith@yahoo.com [16SEP2007]

LEFT TO RIGHT

    Vandy 9 Runup and Vandy 9 Front View.
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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...VX-4 History Circa 1969..." Contributed by Dr. Baron Smith dr.baronsmith@yahoo.com [14SEP2007]

LEFT TO RIGHT

    Unknown Third Class, Unknown Sailor, Unknown Mechanic, Unknown Mech, Unknown Lineman, Unknown First Class, Unknown E6, Unknown E3, Unknown Crew Chief, Unknown Chief, PH1 Robby Roberson on Bike and Vandy Five-Four


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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...VX-4 History Circa 1969..." Contributed by Dr. Baron Smith dr.baronsmith@yahoo.com [04SEP2007]

LEFT TO RIGHT

    Mechanic, Baron at Barrakcs Pt. Mugu, Dave Bierke and Baron Bufing Photo Hut, Dave Bierke and Toth at Knott's, Dave Bierkey and Baron Buffin, Ed Wenger at Barracks Pt. Mugu, Ed Wenger, F8 Crusader Eating Line Chief and Koth and Bierke at Knott
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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...VX-4 History Circa 1969 Left to Right: Wright DFC Award, Vandy Underside, Vandy 53 Landing, Vandy 8 Returning, Vandy 1 and 2 in Flight, MIL Test Results, Mason Award, Officers Precedence List and Mail Orderly Card..." Contributed by Dr. Baron Smith dr.baronsmith@yahoo.com [28MAR2005]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...VX-4 History Circa 1969 Left to Right: Vandy 9 Start, Vandy 9 Ready to Go, Vandy 9 Preflight and Vandy 21..." Contributed by Dr. Baron Smith dr.baronsmith@yahoo.com [12MAR2005]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...VX-4 History Circa 1969 - Top Row - Left to Right: Vandy 9 High Altitude Flight, Vandy 53 Nose, Vandy 53 Engine, Vandy 8 Profile, Sabreliner on VX-4 Ramp, Vandy 11 T-33 Instruments and Vandy 11 Side Profile. Bottom Row - Left to Right: Main Hangar, F-4 Phantom, Line Shack, LOX Detail and F4 Nose Detail..." Contributed by Dr. Baron Smith dr.baronsmith@yahoo.com [10MAR2005]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...VX-4 History Circa 1969 - Left to Right: Vandy 7 and Visitors, Vandy 9 Black Bird, Vandy 20 and Crew, PH1 Roberson, Social Event, Capt and Mrs. Pirozzi, O-Club Event, Photo Hut Fun and Vandy 20..." Contributed by Dr. Baron Smith dr.baronsmith@yahoo.com [09MAR2005]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History - Tap To Enlarge ThumbnailCameraBaron in F8 Crusader Contributed by Dr. Baron Smith dr.baronsmith@yahoo.com [01MAR2005]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...VX-4 History Circa 1969 - Left to Right: TA4F Rear, Navy E4 Promotion, Bender and Eddie Burke, and TA4F..." Contributed by Dr. Baron Smith dr.baronsmith@yahoo.com [28FEB2005]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...VX-4 History Circa 1969 - Left to Right: Reenlistment, VX-4 Hanger and Crew..." Contributed by Dr. Baron Smith dr.baronsmith@yahoo.com [26FEB2005]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation October 1968 "...CNO Safety Awards Announced - Page 2 - Naval Aviation News - October 1968..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1968/oct68.pdf [15SEP2004]

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Circa 1968

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...VX-4 History Circa 1968..." Contributed by Dr. Baron Smith dr.baronsmith@yahoo.com [11NOV2007]

LEFT TO RIGHT

    AN Macias and PHC Moore, Chief Moore with Mamiya C3, F4 and Wenger, F8 Maintenance, Monzulla, Smith, and Bierke, Muster Inspection, PH2 Wilkerson, Unknown RIO, Vandy 2 and Wenger, Vandy 100 Ready and VX4 Chalkboard
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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...VX-4 History Circa 1968..." Contributed by Dr. Baron Smith dr.baronsmith@yahoo.com [29OCT2007]

LEFT TO RIGHT

    Unknown Pilots, Unknown Meeting, Muzula and Burke and Bierke, David Bierke Studying and Guys.
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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...VX-4 History Circa 1968..." Contributed by Dr. Baron Smith dr.baronsmith@yahoo.com [15OCT2007]

LEFT TO RIGHT

    1968 Connie Shack Next Door to VX-4 and VX-4 Line Shot.
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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...VX-4 History Circa 1968..." Contributed by Dr. Baron Smith dr.baronsmith@yahoo.com [08OCT2007]

LEFT TO RIGHT

    Muster Inspection, Morning Muster Inspection and Ed Wenger and Phantom.
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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...VX-4 History Circa 1968..." Contributed by Dr. Baron Smith dr.baronsmith@yahoo.com [16SEP2007]

LEFT TO RIGHT

    Crew, Pt. Mugu Photo Hut, T33 and Unk Pilot, Unk RIO, Vandy 8 Return, Wenger and T33 and Wenger Beside T33.
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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...VX-4 History Circa 1968..." Contributed by Dr. Baron Smith dr.baronsmith@yahoo.com [04SEP2007]

ROW ONE - LEFT TO RIGHT

    Ramp, Officer, Muster, Morning Muster, Hosedown, Hosedown Ceremony, Vandy 52 Runup, Vandy 5 Profile, Vandy 5 Front and Unknown

ROW TWO - LEFT TO RIGHT
    Frank Tallman DIII at Pt. Mugu, Frank Tallman Fokker at Pt. Mugu, Left Gardner P38 Pt. Mugu, PH2 Baran Smith at VX-4 Line, PHC David Norman Moore, Pt. Mugu Line Crew with Bob Hoover, Pt. Mugu Line Crew with Vandy 5, Robby Robertson PH1 and T33 Inverted with Baron

ROW TWO - LEFT TO RIGHT
    Ramp SHot, Bob Hoover in P51 Musting, Capt Pirozzi and Unknwon Cmd, David Norman Moore PHC, F11 Front PT. Mugu, Frank Tallman at Pt. Mugu, Frank Tallman and Blue Angels and Morning Muster
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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...VX-4 History Circa 1968 Left to Right: Check In Card, Vandy 53 and Vandy 4 Crews, Photo Analysis Duties, Leave Authorization Form, Mission Statement, Press Badge and Seabag Inspection..." Contributed by Dr. Baron Smith dr.baronsmith@yahoo.com [28MAR2005]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...VX-4 History Circa 1968 - 1st Row - Left to Right: Browning Promotion, Captain Pirozzi and Silly Hat, Day Commendation, Draft Card, Altitude Chamber and Enlisted Advancements. 2nd Row - Left to Right: McIlrath DFC Award, Foster Inspection, Geneva Card, Guynes Promotion, Holder Commendation and Liberty Pass. 3rd Row - Left to Right: Vandy 00 and Crew Chief, Meal Pass, Mugu Credit Union Card, New Name and Logo with Pierozzi and Higgins, PHAN Tommy Thompson and Risley Reup. Bottom Row - Left to Right: Officers, Vandy 2 in Flight, Vandy 11 and Eddie Burke, Vandy 53 and Vandy 4 Crews, Vandy 53 Head On and Vandy 54 and Crew Chief..." Contributed by Dr. Baron Smith dr.baronsmith@yahoo.com [27MAR2005]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...VX-4 History Circa 1968 - Top Row - Left to Right: VX-4 Hangar Frontage, Vandy 11 Pilot Instrument Panel, Vandy 11 Left Control Panel, Vandy 11 Front Shot, Vandy 1 with Connies Background, Vandy 1 Up Close, Vandy 1 Taxi Out, Vandy 1 Nose Shot, Vandy 00 Right Instruments, Vandy 00 Overhead Switch Panel and Vandy 00 Left Instrument Panel. Bottom Row - Left to Right: Vandy 00 Engine, Vandy 00 Close Shot, Vandy 00 Center Console, Next Door Connies, Next Door Connie Tail, F-4 Without Engines, F-4 Wing Folded, F-4 Top Shot, F-4 Tail and VX-4 Hangar View..." Contributed by Dr. Baron Smith dr.baronsmith@yahoo.com [12MAR2005]

History - Tap To Enlarge ThumbnailHistory - Tap To Enlarge ThumbnailHistory - Tap To Enlarge ThumbnailHistory - Tap To Enlarge ThumbnailHistory - Tap To Enlarge ThumbnailHistory - Tap To Enlarge ThumbnailHistory - Tap To Enlarge ThumbnailHistory - Tap To Enlarge ThumbnailHistory - Tap To Enlarge ThumbnailHistory - Tap To Enlarge ThumbnailHistory - Tap To Enlarge Thumbnail
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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...VX-4 History Circa 1968 - Top Row - Left to Right: P-38 in VX-4 Hangar, Vandy 1 Nose, Captain Pirozzi and Blue Angels, Vandy 53 Engine Maintenance, Next Door Neighbors, Vandy 00 SOB and F-4 Rear Cockpit. Center Row - Left to Right: Football Team, Fokker DR-1 on VX-4 Ramp, Packing Drag Chute, Foster at Re-enlistment Ceremony, Vandy 1 Profile, Vandy 5 Mission Return and Vandy 11 Profile. Bottom Row - Left to Right: Vandy 1 Side, Quarterdeck Mascot, Fueling Probe In-Flight Damage, Vandy 11 Storage, Vandy 1 Wing Shot, Vandy 52 Maintenance and Vandy 4 Gear Swing..." Contributed by Dr. Baron Smith dr.baronsmith@yahoo.com [10MAR2005]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...VX-4 History Circa 1968 - Top Row - Left to Right: Wenger, Vandy 54 Profile, Vandy 54 Nose, Vandy 11, Vandy 5 Crew, Vandy 3 and Vandy 4 on Ram, Vandy 3 and Braniff Stewardess, Vandy 10 UC-45-J Beulah and Bob Hoover at VX-4 Autograp. Bottom Row - Left to Right: Vandy 1, Unknown Vandy, Unknow Aircrew, Tom Noth and David Bierke, Squadron Mascot, Major Markey and Vandy 11, Frank Tallman in DR1, Flight Line Shack, F-11 Tiger at VX-4 Ramp, China Lake Imposter and Bob Hoover at VX-4 Airshow..." Contributed by Dr. Baron Smith dr.baronsmith@yahoo.com [09MAR2005]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...VX-4 History Circa 1968 - Top Row - Left to Right: Vandy 11 Cockpits, Vandy 51 Repaint, Wheel Inspection, Vandy 51 Maintenance, Unknown Vandy, and Blue Angels Connie at VX4. Center Row - Left to Right: Vandy 51 Annual Maintenance, NAS Point Mugu, California EM Club, Pod Maintenanc, Vandy 51 Gun, Vandy 51 Leading Edge and VX5 Repainted F8 to VX4 Markings. Bottom Row - Left to Right: AN Bruce Monzulla, English Pilot Preflighting S2 and Squadron Volleyball..." Contributed by Dr. Baron Smith dr.baronsmith@yahoo.com [08MAR2005]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...VX-4 History Circa 1968 - Top Row - Left to Right: Photo Analysis, Vandy 5 Crew, Mustang Crew, T33atv1, PHC David Norman Moore Commendation, T33a Cockpit, Chief David, Football, Working on Bike, T33 Overhaul, F8 Crew, Cmd Higgins, and Photo Analysis Shop. Bottom Row - Left to Right: Needy Baskets, China Lake Bird, Blackburn and Pierozzi Reup, Awards, and Photo Desk..." Contributed by Dr. Baron Smith dr.baronsmith@yahoo.com [01MAR2005]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...VX-4 History Circa 1968 - Left to right: Baron Smith Outside Photo Analysis Hut, Baron Smith Photo Analysis Hut, and Baron Smith with T33..." Contributed by Dr. Baron Smith dr.baronsmith@yahoo.com [28FEB2005]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...VX-4 History Circa 1968 - Left to right: NAS Point Mugu, California, Roster, Hobby Shop, Photo Shop, and Photo Lab..." Contributed by Dr. Baron Smith dr.baronsmith@yahoo.com [26FEB2005]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation October 1968 "...CNO Safety Awards Announced - Page 2 - Naval Aviation News - October 1968..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1968/oct68.pdf [15SEP2004]

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Circa 1963

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation News April 1963 "...Development Of Tactical Handbooks - Page 36 to 37 - Naval Aviation News - April 1963..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1963/apr63.pdf [25AUG2004]

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Circa 1958

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation News February 1958 "...VX-4 Earns Safety Award - Page 35 - Naval Aviation News - February 1958..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1950s/1958/feb58.pdf [12AUG2004]

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Circa 1954

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation News October 1954 "...VX-4 Sets Record For GCA - Page 22 - Naval Aviation News - October 1954..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1950s/1954/oct54.pdf [02AUG2004]

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Circa 1952

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVX-4 History "...Personnel Office at VX-4 NAS Patuxent River, Maryland in early part of 1952. We found this picture after my Dad passed awayi in his file and thought other's would like to see it..." Contributed by Scott Harjehausen [02SEP2011]


Circa 1947

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...The first few PB-1Ws went to VBP-101 in April of 1946. The PB-1W eventually evolved into an early-warning aircraft by virtue of its APS-20 search radar. By 1947, PB-1Ws had been deployed to units operating with both the Atlantic and Pacific fleets. VPB-101 on the East Coast was redesignated VX-4 and assigned to NAS Quonset Point in Rhode Island. VX-4 became VW-2 in 1952 and transferred to NAS Patuxent River in Maryland. VW-2 had the primary mission of early warning, with a secondary mission of antisubmarine warfare and hurricane reconnaissance. VW-1 was established in 1952 with four PB-1Ws at NAS Barbers Point in Hawaii. Elements of VW-1 were drawn from VC-11 at NAS Miramar and VP-51 at NAS San Diego. VW-1 had a mission similar to that of VW-2. PB-1Ws continued in service until 1955, gradually being phased out in favor of the Lockheed WV-2, a military version of the Lockheed 1049 Constellation commercial airliner. PB-1Ws were retired to the Naval Aircraft Storage Center at Litchfield Park, Arizona. They were stricken from inventory in mid-1956 and many were sold as surplus and ended up on the civil register. 13 of them were sold as scrap..." http://www.csd.uwo.ca/~pettypi/elevon/baugher_us/b017-19.html


Circa 1946

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...The U.S. Navy's Role in Continental Air Defense..." http://www.nwc.navy.mil/press/review/1999/summer/art5%2Dsu9.htm [30MAY2003]

In 1944, the Navy launched the first program for the development of airborne early warning radar and aircraft, thereby taking the lead in this vital technology. Lincoln Laboratory (then known as the Radiation Laboratory), working closely with the Naval Research Laboratory NAS Anacostia, Washington, D.C., developed an airborne radar and a radio link to transmit radar video to displays in a ship's combat information center (CIC). This system was installed in TBM torpedo bombers (designated the TBM-3W, the W standing for airborne early warning). By the time flight trials began in January 1945, however, the Navy had concluded that the video link did not permit the TBM-3W to operate at the ranges from its carrier task force necessary for early warning. The solution was to place the CIC in the aircraft. Commander Lucien F. "Red" Dodson proposed mounting the APS-20, a one-megawatt air search radar, in a large, long-range, land-based aircraft. Commander Dodson was placed in command of VPB-101, based at NAS Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, and development efforts began, using two Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress test beds already in the Navy inventory.

For its first land-based airborne early warning aircraft, the Navy in 1945 purchased twenty new B-17Gs and modified each to the PB-1W configuration by sealing shut its bomb bay, removing the armament, and mounting an APS-20 air search radar in a large dome beneath the fuselage. The first PB-1Ws were delivered to VPB-101 in the spring of 1946; the Navy was to purchase a total of thirty-one. The PB-1W was a delight to fly, being much lighter than the original B-17G, but its lack of cabin pressurization made it cold and uncomfortable for the men operating the radar and tracking systems. In late 1946 VPB-101 was moved to NAS Quonset Point, Rhode Island, and redesignated Airborne Early Warning Development Squadron Four (VX-4). VX-4 moved from NAS Quonset Point, Rhode Island to NAS Patuxent River, Maryland, in July 1948; "Pax River," as it was commonly known, became the center of Navy airborne early warning for the next seventeen years. Lessons learned from flying the PB-1W were applied to development of the Lockheed PO-1W (a redesigned Lockheed 749 Constellation airliner later designated WV-1), which first flew in 1949, and to the highly successful Lockheed WV-2 (based on the famous L-1049G Super Constellation), which was first delivered to the Navy in 1954.

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...1945: Airborne Early Warning Radar..." http://www.nwc.navy.mil/press/Review/1999/summer/art5-su9.htm [13FEB2000]

The U.S. Navy's Role in Continental Air Defense


The Navy had gained significant experience in air defense during World War II. In the battles of Coral Sea and Midway and in several other engagements, the Navy had learned hard lessons on how to defend carrier task forces. These lessons had led to important developments in air search radar, combat direction systems, and air-intercept-control procedures. The Navy's bitter experience with Japanese kamikaze suicide planes late in the war had generated intense interest in the development of radar systems for long-range detection of low-flying aircraft. The Navy had deployed radar picket destroyers late in the war but had concluded that airborne surveillance platforms were necessary for extended detection ranges.

In 1944, the Navy launched the first program for the development of airborne early warning radar and aircraft, thereby taking the lead in this vital technology. Lincoln Laboratory (then known as the Radiation Laboratory), working closely with the Naval Research Laboratory at NAS Anacostia, Washington, D.C., developed an airborne radar and a radio link to transmit radar video to displays in a ship's combat information center (CIC). This system was installed in TBM torpedo bombers (designated the TBM-3W, the W standing for airborne early warning). By the time flight trials began in January 1945, however, the Navy had concluded that the video link did not permit the TBM-3W to operate at the ranges from its carrier task force necessary for early warning. The solution was to place the CIC in the aircraft. Commander Lucien F. "Red" Dodson proposed mounting the APS-20, a one-megawatt air search radar, in a large, long-range, land-based aircraft. Commander Dodson was placed in command of Patrol Bomber Squadron 101 (VPB-101), based at NAS Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, and development efforts began, using two Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress test beds already in the Navy inventory.

For its first land-based airborne early warning aircraft, the Navy in 1945 purchased twenty new B-17Gs and modified each to the PB-1W configuration by sealing shut its bomb bay, removing the armament, and mounting an APS-20 air search radar in a large dome beneath the fuselage. The first PB-1Ws were delivered to VPB-101 in the spring of 1946; the Navy was to purchase a total of thirty-one. The PB-1W was a delight to fly, being much lighter than the original B-17G, but its lack of cabin pressurization made it cold and uncomfortable for the men operating the radar and tracking systems. In late 1946 VPB-101 was moved to NAS Quonset Point, Rhode Island, and redesignated Airborne Early Warning Development Squadron Four (VX-4). VX-4 moved from NAS Quonset Point, Rhode Island to NAS Patuxent River, Maryland, in July 1948; NAS Patuxent River, Maryland, as it was commonly known, became the center of Navy airborne early warning for the next seventeen years. Lessons learned from flying the PB-1W were applied to development of the Lockheed PO-1W (a redesigned Lockheed 749 Constellation airliner later designated WV-1), which first flew in 1949, and to the highly successful Lockheed WV-2 (based on the famous L-1049G Super Constellation), which was first delivered to the Navy in 1954..." [23MAY2001]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...VX-4 History Circa 1968 - Artwork and Former Commanding Officers..." Contributed by SMITH, PH2 Baron dr.baronsmith@yahoo.com [28MAR2005]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...VX-4 NAS Point Mugu, California was redesignated (VX-9) AIR TEST AND EVALUATION SQUADRON when merged with VX-5..." Contributed by AMH3 David Osborne HCS-5 dungan.james.k.@naspm.navy.mil

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...Crushed...crushed...crushed. Once again the PB-1W is ignored in Naval Aviation History. The PB-1W was a vital patrol aircraft which served the Navy between 1945 and 1956 in the following squadrons: VX-4, VW-1, VW-2, VPW-1, VP-51, VC-11, and VPB-101. Yet it is virtually ignored on this page and in most accounts of Naval aviation. It was vital in the development of land-based airborne radar and instrumental in the deployment of airborne-early warning. The PB-1W was also used for ASW through the late forties and early fifties. I think it's a shame that the hundreds (thousands?) of aviatiors and ground crew which kept these airplanes going are so often ignored. There is a book on the Navy B-17: "B-17 In Blue" by yours truly. Check out http://www.aerovintage.com/b17.htm..." Contributed by Scott Thompson SThompson@aerovintage.com


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