7-PB1-200
October 1962
Commander,
Goose Air Defence Sector,
Goose Bay, Labrador.
Dear Sirs:
Subject: Inspection Report
Evaluation of AN/FPS-3C Radar
at 923 AC&W Squadron Hopedale
We are pleased to supply you with Mr. Gradwell’s report in connection with the above mentioned subject.
This report is furnished as agreed to in discussion with Mr. Gradwell on 30 August 1962 concerning the reduced capability of this radar during the period July – August 1962.
Yours truly,
/S/ W.M. Thomson,
Controller General
Cc: ADE St. Johns, Nfld.
Installation and Maintenance Division
Inspection Report
Period 20 – 30 August 1962
Subject: Reduced Capability of Prime Radar
Equipment: AN/FPS-3C
Location: 923 AC&W Squadron Hopedale (C-28)
Contracts: AF30(635)-25226 Serial 7-PE-1-200
Contractor: Canadian Marconi Co. SSD (Pinetree)
Inspection Detail:
This inspector was advised by GADS message GSELM 4465 dated 17 August, 1962, from Major J. Jefferies, that the site Maintenance personnel at 923rd, Squadron, were experiencing considerable difficulty to maintain the AN/FPS-3C equipment operational, and Depot technical assistance was required immediately. It was also requested at this time by Major J Jefferies, that DND Inspection Services inspector, accompany the Depot furnished assistance, to evaluate the adequacy of the last DLM afforded this equipment by the contractor, Canadian Marconi Co. (Pinetree) in May 1962.
This inspector departed 20 August for 923rd Squadron., Hopedale, in the company of CMC Senior Engineer, Mr. M. Schmidt, and arrived site 22 August 1962.
On arrival at the site this inspector made known to the Commanding Officer, Major MacMonagle, Capt. FG Zuzolo and the Radar Officer, Lt. R. Thompson, the purpose of the visit.
The site Maintenance logs were checked and the following noted:
The following is a summary of tests adjustments and replacements made, by site personnel and Mr. Schmidt, CMC Engineer to return equipment to full operational capability, and to further allow this inspector to evaluate the cause of this equipment failure.
Observations of equipment performance operationally indicated sparatic skin paints of aircraft, only with inversion propation, with no discernable pattern to indicate equipment failure.
Conclusion
On evidence available to this inspector, my conclusions are as follows:
The above is being brought to the attention of the contractor’s Management for positive corrective action, and will be closely monitored by this office.
Insufficient space in Radar Maintenance to adequately bench test equipment.
Recommendations
It was recommended by this inspector that Radar Maintenance keep as much information and statistics on the performance of equipment in order that localizing failures could be accomplished utilizing Quality Control Methods.
Further recommendations were to affect as much OJT on equipment and test instruments as possible.
It is further felt by this inspector that consideration should be given to schedule more maintenance on older equipment used with the command, and every endeavor made to increase the working areas of the Radar Maintenance facility at this Squadron.
This inspector would like to express grateful acknowledgement of all the assistance afforded this inspector by Major J. Jefferies of Maintenance Control Centre in effecting aircraft utilization, to adequately access the performance of the radar equipment, and Major J. Winter in determining true performance figures allowable to the aircraft in use.
This inspector would further like to commend the personnel at the 923 Squadron. In their conscientious efforts to obtain good performance from the equipment, and the assistance afforded this inspector in evaluating the equipment failure.
RW Gradwell
ADC – NEW
A TRUE EXTRACT COPY:
JOHN C. TILLEY
Captain, USAF