Type 96-1 Japanese Radio Transmitter

WWII
Imperial Japanese Naval Air Force
Type 96-1 Modification-1 Radio Transmitter

SPECIFICATIONS

Description: Japanese Navy Type 96-1 Modification-1 Radio Transmitter

Manufacturer: Toyo Communication Company

Date of Manufacture: October 1941 (Showa Year 16 - Month 10)

Serial Number: 784

Installation: Single seat Japanese Navy fighter planes such as A6M Zero (Rei-Sen "Zero Fighter")

Purpose: Use voice and CW bands with ground stations and other aircraft in flight.

Frequency: Frequency range was 4.2 to 5.5 MHz crystal controlled

Power: 15W to 30W

The original design specifications for this radio system were developed in 1936, as specified by the old Japanese calendar 96 designation which equates to 1936. The name plate further specifies the Kanji character "Kuu" which means Sky, thereby indicating that the radio set was used in Japanese Naval aircraft. The -1 in the Type 96-1 designation indicates that the radio set was used for installations in single-seat aircraft. At the beginning of WWII, the Type 96-1 Radio Set, having poor performance and low power, was improved with Modification-1 and later superceded by the newer Type 4-1 transceiver.

This historic artifact from World War II is completely intact however it's operational condition is unknown. As can be seen in the pictures, the interior of the unit and the back cover, although dusty, appears in almost new condition. The front of the case does have paint scratches and crackling but after all, it is over 60 years old !!

UPDATE: 5/2003 - 12/2007
Upon mutual agreement, Type 96-1 Radio Transmitter Serial Number 784 was on long-term loan
for display from 2002-2007 at the National Museum of the US Air Force, Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, Ohio.