Metz, France

1965 – Appendix B
Technical
National Archives of Canada

PART I - GENERAL

The year 1965 was, to say the least, a most interesting one for the STSO division. If an attempt were to be made to underline the salient features which one would remember, the J79 engine problem, the critical supply of essential J79 engine parts, the ground speed readout modification for the CF-104's which assisted the RCAF in turning in a standout performance in the Chaumont Tactical Weapons Meet, these are a few highlights which come readily to mind. But there were many such incidents, situations, problems, innovations which together, made 1965 the busiest, at times frustrating, albeit the most interesting year, for the technical arm of 1 Air Division.

One responsibility of the Division which is not covered in the following narrative is the AWTI Decimomannu, Sardinia. At the Tri-National meeting in Rome in May 65 a proposal was made to initiate night bombing training in order to give Air Division a night bombing capability. A subsequent meeting was held at Deci in June 65 where the requirements, costs and concept were detailed. At the Rome meeting in November, these costs and requirements were outlined and subsequently sent to the German and Canadian Air Forces by the Italian Air Ministry. Approval has been solicited from Ottawa for this training. It is expected that tri-national agreement will be given in May 66 and the training itself should commence in the fall.

PART II - ARMAMENT

Nuclear Weapon Systems

Apr - Dec 65

Introduction of the MK57 weapon for RCAF use necessitated the setting up of a modification program known as Project Ukele in order that the store and CF-104 centerline rack would be compatible. The modification involved the introduction of larger sway brace discs, relocation of the weapons away switch and rework of the ejector piston assemblies. Seven racks which provided the pipeline stock were sent to Scottish Aviation Limited in Prestwick, Scotland in April and the first racks were sent from 3 and 4 Wings the same month. From April to mid-December a total of 134 racks were modified and returned to the Wings and the original seven racks were shipped to 6RD to be used as pipeline stock for modifying racks at Cold Lake.

May 65

Sep 65

Although Major Assembly Releases had been obtained for carriage of the MK43 and MK57 bombs on the CF-104, a hold order was issued by the USAF prohibiting peacetime loading of these weapons on CF-104 a/c until a suitable redesigned second-from-aft trapeze of the centerline bomb rack was introduced. In its existing configuration, damage to the weapon pull-out cables would result when the weapon was loaded on the aircraft. A redesigned trapeze proposed by USAF AFWL was field tested at 3 Wing in Oct 65 and found to be unsatisfactory. Further design study was undertaken by CFHQ and AFWL. An interim fix to resolve the problem insofar as the MK57 bomb was concerned was proposed by CFHQ and a field check scheduled for Jan 66.

Oct - Nov 65

In preparation for assuming a nuclear weapon operational role with the CF-104D MK2 a/c, steps were taken to obtain USAF-approved certification procedures for this aircraft. A draft procedure checklist was prepared by the SOArm staff and subsequently field-checked at 4 Wing with USAFE ELO representatives participating. Necessary revisions were incorporated and the draft checklist forwarded to ELO for approval and issue. The approved checklist was issued 5 Nov 65.

Oct 65

As a result of discussions between CFHQ training and Photo staffs and ADHQ it was decided to produce a film on nuclear weapon loading. To this end, a CFHQ film crew of three personnel visited 3 Wing from 4 - 8 Oct to film the on-and-off loading of a nuclear weapon on a CF-104. The film was produced as a silent version but a sound edition will be provided as soon as a commentary can be prepared by 3 Wing. The film was reviewed by ADHQ personnel in December and it was determined that some scenes will have to be retaken. It is anticipated that the retakes and provision of a sound track will take place by early Mar 66.

Nov - Dec 65

A program to provide initial training and certification of loading crews on the CF-104D/MK57 weapon system was arranged with USAFE 7232nd Munitions and Maintenance Group. The necessary training and certification was carried out at 3 and 4 Wings during the period 22 Nov 65 to 10 Dec 65.

Conventional Weapons

Jun 65

336 CBU-2B/A were delivered to 3 Wing Zweibrucken in June. 168 are to be transferred to 4 Wing as soon as storage space is available in the Explosives Area. As of 31 Dec 65, only 40 weapons are held at 4 Wing. The BLU-1B Fire Bomb delivery has been delayed and are now expected during Feb 66. A modification program to modify the CF-104 to permit loading and delivery of these weapons was 95% complete by the end of 1965.

Aug 65

An initial attack capability with CBU-2B/A was declared to CFHQ for both 3 and 4 Wings on 1 Aug 65. An attack capability will not be declared to 4 ATAF until units have an operational capability with both weapons.

Dec 65

A modification to install ballast weights in the dispenser was issued to ensure safe jettison of empty CBU-2B/A dispenser after the BLU-3B bomblets have been ejected. Due to delays in receipt of equipment and changes in procedures the modification is only 5% complete with estimated target date of May 66 for modification of total stocks.

BDU-8B Bomb Repair Program

Dec 65

The BDU-8B bomb repair program in Holland has completed the following repairs:

1. 16 tail sections
2. 83 Centre sections and
3. 98 parachutes have been repaired but none have been repacked due to an unsatisfactory condition of the deployment Bag. MCHQ has been requested to procure new stocks of deployment bags.

Armament Systems

Jan - Oct 65

The Starsal Phase II program at SAL showed a marked improvement early in the year and continued very close to schedule until the last aircraft was delivered to the Wings on 15 Oct. One particular problem which created a potential bottleneck was the clearance of snags after air tests, particularly in respect to the Contour Map Modes of the NASARR fire control system. To overcome this, CFHQ granted a waiver to the detachment commander, whereby, he could release aircraft to the Wings with contour map snags if clearing of these snags seriously affected the aircraft production schedule. In such cases, aircraft were released with these snags entered in the "minors" of the L14s. This waiver did not delete the original requirements for Air Test of the CM modes of the NASARR. Several factors which contributed to the success of this program were (a) additional CWCo personnel; (b) RCAF personnel for snag clearance and Quality Control; and (c) close co-operation throughout the program among CMCHQ - SAL and 1 Air Division in respect to equipment requirements. Two other programs which ran concurrently with the Bombing improvement modification program were the GSE Mod Program and the on-the-job training of RCAF Armament Systems technicians at SAL. Both of these programs were most successful.

WORTAC (Westinghouse Overall Radar Tester and Calibration)

Jan - Sep 65

During this period the delivery of WORTAC's (Both versions) was completed.

Progress was slow in the utilization of this new test equipment, for several reasons:

1. handbooks delivered with the equipment were not satisfactory;
2. DWCos FSRs were replaced with CAE FSRs, with the result that local training programs could not be initiated; and
3. RCAF Armament Systems Technicians had no experience on this equipment.

In July, the services of a Mr Harold (CWCo representative at the Messer-Schmidt Plant, Germany) were obtained to review the test procedures with RCAF technicians from all the Wings. From this review it became obvious that a course of training was required. Meanwhile, the EOs on the WORTACs did arrive and Mr Harold conducted a course of training at 3 Wing from 7 - 17 Sep, for RCAF Armament System Technicians from all the Wings.

Oct - Dec 65

Action was taken to implement CM/TA calibration on periodic inspections and several aircraft were calibrated at 3 and 4 Wings. However, due to the limited availability of aircraft during this period, because of engine problems, CM/TA calibration results were only obtained on a few aircraft. These results looked most promising. It is anticipated that utilization of WORTAG wil increase in the New Year and firm conclusions regarding its capabilities will be reached.

Calibration Center

Jan - May 65

This period saw the last of the "Van Cal" teams and introduction of the Calibration Center at 3 Wing, Zweibrucken. With this change came a new contract with CAE personnel replacing Philco personnel. The calibration Center concept came into being.

Jan - Dec 65

The building and facilities of the Cal Center were completed, but the production of calibrated test equipment was curtailed until early August for three reasons:

1. the equipment used to calibrate had to be set up and calibrated;
2. the new personnel were obtaining experience; and
3. scheduling of equipment from units to the Cal Center underwent a change, to reflect the procedures outline in SB 12.1/07.

Because of the change in concept (Cal Center versus Mobile Vans) scheduling of equipment was the biggest problem, although not the only one. A backlog of test equipment arose because the Cal Center was not productive until early August, and it was anticipated that this backlog would smooth out in the first year.

Five RCAF positions were established for the Cal Center, and in December two were filled - 1 Sgt - ArmT System & 1 AC - SupTech

The remaining positions (two Cal Center Assistants and 1 AC ClkAdm) are expected to be filled early in 1966.

The Calibration of electronic and electrical equipment only was carried out this year. No facilities are yet available for calibration of mechanical equipment.

New Projects

Plans were made to incorporate the calibration of RADIAC equipment in the Calibration Center. It was proposed to establish a Staff Sgt from the Canadian Army at 3 Wing to carry out the calibration of all RADIAC equipment in Air Division.

Telecommunications

Jan 65

CF-104 TACAN installation has been marginal since the introduction of this aircraft into Air Division. A prototype blade antenna installation was evaluated by 4 Wing and found to give significantly improved TACAN performance. In Jun 65 it was noted by 4 Wing that prototype antennas showed signs of high speed wear on the antenna leading edge. In July, CFHQ stated that a new type of antenna was being procured. 4 Wing then evaluated the new antennas, found no signs of erosion, and recommended fleet fitment. CFHQ, on 17 Sep, authorized CF-104 fleet fitment based on the 4 Wing trials plus performance of same antenna in F-4C a/c in USAF. CMCHQ state that kits will be available for fleet fitment no later than 15 Nov. 1 Air Division CF-104 fleet fitment commenced in Dec 64.

Jun 65

CF-104 TACAN installation has always displayed an excessive indicator jitter when presented on the PH15 indicator. 4 Wing urgent UCR proposed a very simple fix for this long outstanding problem. In Oct, CMCHQ approved the 4 Wing modification together with an additional modification proposed by Northern Electric Company.

Jul - Nov 65

4 Wing urgent UCR in May 64 outlined with a CFHQ power failure and a subsequent pilot ejection there was no method of automatically turning on the emergency UHF equipment. 1 Air division requested CFHQ to provide present status on this problem. In Nov 65, after considerable correspondence, CFHQ directed Canadair to raise an ECP to overcome this problem.

Oct - Dec 65

4 Wing urgent UCR pointed out a serious flight hazard on CF-104D dual a/c, in that with undercarriage in the "down" position and an a/c power failure, the emergency intercom would not function. The fix proposed by 4 Wing was adopted by CFHQ and incorporated in all Air Division CF-104D a/c in December.

Jan - Dec 65

In Jan, CFHQ decided to fit VOR/ILS, TACAN, and RDRI weather radar to all Bristol Freighter a/c. A pre-prototype meeting was held at Western Airways Lt, Uk in April. In June, Bristol 9850 was delivered to WAL for prototype installation, this installation was accepted by the RCAF in Aug. In Nov, Bristol 9700 was delivered to WAL for the second installation.

PART III - SUPPLY

May 65

A general SOSup conference was held at 1 ADHQ on 3 May.

Jul 65

W/C MJ Doherty took over as SOSup 15 Jul, replacing W/C LE Vail.

Aircraft Programs and Movements

Aug 65

CF-104 - Commencing in mid-summer, technical difficulties with the J79 engine resulted in unexpected usafe of many engine spares and depletion of back-up stocks. Thus Supply support of the CF-104 since that time has been characterized by the need to support operations from assets circulating within an accelerated repair/transport pipeline and by borrowing or purchasing from European sources.

Oct 65

The STARSAL program, Phase II which commenced in Oct 64, was completed in Oct 65. All CF-104 a/c in Air Division were phased through SAL in this phase. Phase III of this program involving 65 aircraft was commenced in Oct 65 and is scheduled to be completed in May 66.

Dakota

Apr 65

2 Apr a/c 661 allotted to SAL for paint stripping, removal of under wing surface corrosion and repainting.

May 65

6 May - a/c KG828 allotted to SAL for fly-in repair of floor beams and fuselage.

Jun 65

2 Jun - a/c 662 alloted to SAL for structural inspection and repair.

Expeditor

Jul - Sep 65

20 Jul - a/c 1521 alloted to SAL for third-line maintenance.

8 Sep - a/c 1566 alloted to SAL for structural integrity check.

Bristol Freighter

Aug 65

9 Aug - a/c 9699 allotted to Western Airways for assessment of repairs and manhours involved in connection with corrosion.

Oct 65

5 Oct - a/c 9700 allotted to Western Airways Ltd for telecom mods (Weather Radar, TACAN, DAITel Project, Bendix VHF).

T33 Aircraft

Aug - Dec 65

20 Aug - a/c 21585 allotted to SAL for CAIR
28 Sep - a/c 21645 allotted to SAL for CAIR
15 Nov - a/c 21624 allotted to SAL for CAIR
2 Dec - a/c 21628 allotted to SAL for CAIR

PART IV - MOBILE EQUIPMENT

General

Jan - Dec 65

In 1965 MSE operated 4,714,416 miles, which is a decrease of 12% over the 1964 figure. Over eight million pounds of freight and ten thousand passengers were carried by MSE for a reduction of 45% and 12% respectively. This reduction is accounted for by the large amount of transport required in 1964 when closing out Langar and 2 Wing, plus the loss of the utilization figures from these units in 1965.

Present vehicle establishment in Air Division is 1,089. The closing of Langar and 2 Wing plus the change in the Division's role, was responsible for over 250 vehicles becoming surplus to establishment and requirements. Where possible the better vehicles which were declared surplus were exchanged for vehicles in poorer condition in the remaining fleet, some were transferred to other military formations and the balance went up for disposal. Although this represented a considerable work load for all concerned, the desired results were obtained, as the vehicle establishment and strength are now within a few vehicles of balancing.

Accident Prevention MSE

Jan - Dec 65

Total number of MSE accidents for 1965 stands at 89 as compared to 72 in 1964. However, non-chargeable accidents are now included in the year's total as directed by CFHQ, whereas in 1964 they were not. When the figure for 1964 is adjusted by including non-chargeable accidents the increase for 1965 is 12 accidents.

The accident damage for 1965 was $14,630.00 as compared to $15,692.00 for 1964. This decrease plus the fact there were a greater number of accidents indicates generally, accidents of less severity in 1965.

The accident rate for 1965 is 1.88 per 100,000 miles, for a slight increase over 1964 of 1.34.

Accident Prevention PMC

Jan - Dec 65

PMQ accidents have decrease again in 1965 with a rate of .30 per 100 vehicles vs .37 per 100 vehicles in 1965. In addition to a decrease in accidents, there were also a decrease in percentage of fault for the AF licensed driver, 67% in 1964 vs 60% in 1965. It is hope that 1966 will continue to reflect this trend.

PART V - MOVEMENTS

Personnel

Jan - Dec 65

The following numbers of passengers were carried on wetbound Service Flights to Canada:

The total includes 57 airevacs

The following numbers of passengers were carried on European flights:

The total represents a 65 percent utilization of available space.

Materiel

The imports and export tonnages for air and sea shipping were as follows:

During the year Maison Genestal handled 324 tons including both exports and imports. This firm handled all sea shipping and 21 tons of materiel for Canadian Embassies. These figures included total import export tonnages above.

Visits

During the year there was 339 registered visits; 76 of these were VIPs. Altogether this represents an approximate total of 1,500 visitors in 1965.

Air Transport Operations

The following is a summary of 109 KU aircraft strength:

Bristols - (4)

Dakotas - (13) - 10 at unit, 3 detached.

NOTE: VIP Dakota taken on strength from CDLS(L) on 1 Sep 65.

Dakota 221

Dakota aircraft attached at all times to Ramstein, LeBourget and 4 Wing - one aircraft at each location.

The following is a report on aircraft flying rates:

Grand total for aircraft on strength of 109 KU Marville - 9.111 hrs.

Percentage of EFR

Jan - Dec 65

The following is a report on flying operations:

During 1965, the Dakotas carried out 16 special flights - 333 routine flights of which 33 were air evacuation flights. In addition the Dakotas flew 454 service flights.

Bristol aircraft carried out 59 routine flights of which 2 were air evacuation flights and 192 were service flights.

Consolidation of Flights

Jan - Dec 65

This summary of flights does not include unit or Air Division Training Flights.

In support of Air Division from 1 Jan 65 until withdrawn 12 Nov 65, North Star aircraft completed 12 routine and 119 service flights. Hercules aircraft completed the year by carrying out 5 service flights.

The North Star will be missed by movements staff. Its versatility and capability many times alleviated the strain on Air Division aircraft. The help of the Hercules is appreciated but loss of flexibility compared to the North Star is quite apparent.

The following is a report on aircraft inspections and modifications:

Dakotas out for total of 47 weeks, Bristols for 25 weeks and this does not include normal inspections.

On several occasions a Bristol was out of service for 2 - 4 weeks, AOGd for ailerons, wing anti-icer and other problems.

Generally the year, from the aircraft availability point of view, was very poor for both Dakota and Bristols.

This was due to the number of special inspections on Dakotas all coming due in 1965 and initiation of a telecom modification programme on the Bristol.

PART VI - PHOTO

1 Jan - 1 Jul 65

A single 16mm N9 camera was installed at 3 Wing Ratcon unit to photograph radar presentation on a trial basis.

To record the spring bird migrations for CFHQ Op Order Birdtrack 65, a 16mm N9 camera was installed at Moselle Control to photograph a radar scope on a 24 hour a day - 7 days a week basis over a 3 month period.

Photo vans deployed to Etain during runway repairs at 1 Wing.

A for P for 1 Wing Photo Ops building forwarded to CFHQ.

Aug 65

CFHQ confirmed procurement of 9 automatic, high speed (15 feet/min) film processors for 1 Wing.

Prototype incident light, Light Level Monitor sent to 1 Wing for field trials.

Fall portion of Op Birdtrack 65 began.

Sep 65

One processing and one photo interpretation van deployed to the 1965 Tiger Meet at Bitberg.

Bausch and Lomb AR4 stereo viewer received at 1 Wing.

Vertical N9 bomb scoring camera submission forwarded to CFHQ for prototyping and design approval.

High speed Vinten shutter received by 1 Wing for field trials

Oct 65

Short focal length (1 3/4") lens for Vinten camera received by 1 Wing for field trials.

Nov 65

Two 16mm N9 cameras installed at 1 Wing Ratcon Unit to photograph radar presentations.

Dec 65

Hand held N9 camera installed in G19 crash truck at 3 Wing for trials as a flight safety facility.

PART VII - AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING

1 Jan 65

Project Starsal Phase 2 (Radar Mods etc) in operation at SAL with 18 a/c per month.

4 Jan 65

Air Division J79 corrosion control procedures published to Wings.

15 Jan 65

J79 Engine Front Frame MRP arrived at Air Div Units.

19 Jan 65

New Canadian Flag insignia announced for CF-104s.

15 Feb 65

Structural integrity check completed on Dakota 221.

1 Mar 65

National Flag Decals applied to Air Division aircraft.

15 Apr 65

3 Wing OFTT installation completed and training commenced.

1 May 65

17 CF-104 a/c deployed to Etain AFB.

109 KU Flight operated from USAFE Etain AFB.

10 May 65

J79 Main Fuel Pump and Transfer Gearbox spine inspection and lubrication introduced.

15 May 65

Structural Integrity check completed on Dakota 291.

11 - 20 Jun 65

CF-104 and personnel moved to Paris Show (Air) as Static Display.

11 - 25 Jun 65

Ground speed readout mod installed in CF-104 a/c for Chaumont Tactical Weapons Meet.

9 Jul 65

Structural Integrity Check completed on Dakota 662.

10 Jul 65

Structural Integrity Check completed on Expeditor 1533.

1 Aug 65

Contract awarded to British Oxygen Ltd for OX sampling program.

6 Aug 65

STSO and SOAE met at MCHQ to discuss J79 engine problems and overhaul.

8 Sep 65

Structural Integrity Check completed on Expeditor 1521.

10 Sep 65

LN3 Failure Warning System Mod prototyped at 4 Wing.

15 Sep 65

Calendar inspection trials completed and found not acceptable to Air Division.

1 Oct 65

Bristol Freighter 9850 completed TACAN installation at Weston Super Mare.

7 Oct 65

CF-104 (12806) airlifted to Canadair for Non-destructive testing programme.

10 Oct 65

J79 engine again placed on 100-hour cycle.

15 Oct 65

After two years delay final receipt of oxygen purging units.

25 Oct 65

Structural Integrity Programme completed on Expeditor 1566.

31 Oct 65

152nd aircraft (CF-104) completed Starsal Phase 2 programme.

Starsal Phase 3 commenced at SAL.

2 - 4 Nov 65

1st Air Div Maintenance Inspection Team Visit - 1 Wing.

3 Nov 65

Fleet fitment of LN3 Failure Warning System commenced.

5 Nov 65

First engine returned for update programme.

15 Nov 65

Structural Integrity Check completed on Dakota 455.

1st Stage Turbine Blades lifed at 400 hours.

18 Nov 65

T33 21614 crashed near Phalsburg killing Captain.

29 - 30 Nov 65

SOAE visited MCHQ to discuss J79 engine problems.

17 Dec 65

Ground Speed Readout Mod submitted to CFHQ.

18 Dec 65

Turbine Rotor replacement programme commenced.

31 Dec 65

Bristol Freighter 9700 now at Weston Super Mare for TACAN Mods.

PART VIII - CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING

General

During the 1965 calendar year a notable change took place within the Construction Engineering Organization; that is, effective 1 Jul 65 SOCE assumed the responsibilities of the Regional Construction Engineer for Europe with W/C GS Galley transferred from CFHQ to fill the dual position 30 Aug.

Marville

22 Feb 65

Installation of VASIS units - contract awarded.

30 Apr 65

Enlarge concrete ramp H3 for CF-104 facilities - completed.

31 Jul 65

Wing Intelligence Bldg for CF-104 facilities - completed.

Ramp for 109 KU Dakotas - completed.

31 Aug 65

Steelox Bldg for Wing Instrument Flt CF-104 facilities - completed.

30 Sep 65

Convert Shelter 85 E & F to Hangar - completed.

30 Nov 65

Airfield Pavement Slab Repairs - completed.

1 Dec 65

8 Classroom School - approved.

SU Metz

Nil

Zweibrucken

15 Jun 65

Construct leanto on Hangar 85G for CF-104 facilities - contract awarded.

5 Jul 65

Concrete area repairs and joint resealing - contract awarded.

31 Aug 65

Resurface aerodrome access road - completed.

Resurface QRA & SAS access road - completed.

5 Dec 65

Construct Met Tower - approved.

Baden Soellingen

30 Apr 65

Relocation of Dispersal hangar 85E for CF-104 facilities - completed.

Exterior lighting centre dispersal for CF-104 facilities - completed.

30 May 65

Procure and install 2nd system of High Intensity Runway approach lights - completed.

30 Jun 65

Installation of VASIS Units - completed.

Relocation of an Arcon Steelox Bldg from Langar for use as Hangar in the centre dispersal area and the erection of a prefab bldg for a technical control centre in the centre dispersal area - completed.

Extension of Bldg 46 Aircrew Accommodation - completed.

Repairs & mods to roof of Ice Rink - completed.

31 Jul 65

Increase transformer capacity for CF-104 facilities - completed.

Construction of a concrete flight line bunker in the centre dispersal area for CF-104 facilities - completed.

19 Oct 65

Repair heating units H 1 & 2 - contract awarded

12 Nov 65

Levelling and Seeding QRA area - contract awarded

22 Nov 65

Explosive Storage area - contract awarded.