QU-22B GROUND CONTROL PANEL

Description

Before we had the predator we had the… Bonanza? You’ve probably seen a picture of a USAF Bonanza with a huge hump on it’s cowling, but never knew anything about it. The QU-22B was a highly modified Model 36 Bonanza made to be operated remotely to monitor traffic along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Only 27 were modified under The Pave Eagle Program to be used as part of Operation Igloo White. The system involved F-4s, CH-3s, and OV-10s dropping sensors along the trail and an orbiting EC-121 or QU-22 would pick up and relay the signal to the Infiltration Surveillance Center operated by Task Force Alpha at Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Force Base. From there, the information would be relayed to combat commanders that would send aircraft to attack.

This is the only known controller to ever be offered for sale, or even photographed. A perfect piece for your Vietnam display that every other niche collector will be salivating over. Joystick works, leg heading switch is bent, but all other switches function. Handle on right lays flat or lifts up. If Interested, send an inquiry, you’ll probably never see another again.

AN/DSW-12 Radar System

C-8503

Part Number: 2575444

MFR Code: 07187 (Honeywell International)

Contract: F33657-70-c-0172