![[optical sight]](cysto_1.jpg)
This page last updated Jan 2 2016
I HAD two of these optical sights, as photographed here. One was sold in 2009. In 2014 I sold the other. I have a few optical elements available as of 2016.
The following descriptions were taken from the linked aircraft cockpit instrument Web site.
The F-4J was the final version of the Phantom II produced for the US Navy and US Marine Corps. It constituted an improved version of the F-4B and flew operationally for the first time in 1966. Of this version, 522 aircraft were constructed between 1966 and 1972. Because of increased weight and more demanding sink rates, the F-4J was fitted with a sturdier landing gear, which required modifications to the inner wings, as had been the case for the F-4C. F-4B aircraft were later converted to F-4N versions in a service life extension programme. Similarly, 248 (of the 302 planned) F-4J aircraft went through a process in the St. Louis factory to give them more structural strength, a longer fatique life, updated mission equipment (AN/AGW-10 radar) and a slatted wing. These modified F-4J aircraft were designated F-4S and flew for the first time in 1977. The conversion also saved 25% on aircraft maintenance. The F-4S is the last F-4 version produced.
Phantom F-4J/S front cockpit instruments - AN/APG-59 radar scope optical sight
AN/APG-59.60 optical sight (front cockpit) manufactured by Westinghouse and the American Cystoscope Makers Inc., New York, USA. This optical sight was used in F-4J Navy Phantoms. It forms part of the AN/AWG-10 pulse-doppler radar airborne fire control system manufactured by Westinghouse. This is a solid-state radar system with multi-mode operation and "look-down" capabilities, allowing the detection and tracking of low-flying targets and distinguishing them from ground clutter. Texts on the three data plates read (green illumination, 5 V): TOP plate - VEL, 10 - 25 - 50 - 100 - 200, LEFT plate - IN RNG, LOW Vc, MEM, J and RIGHT plate - HOLD ALT, VI, TERR and ALTM.
This instrument has a 37-pins male D-Sub connector at the back. Pin connections are: 1= Glass adjustment knob lighting (14 or 28 V, depending on lamp installed), 2,3= pipper lighting (voltage, AC/DC?), 4,5= OPR/ERASE switch, 6-19= nc, 20= Power GND, 21= 10, 22= 25, 23= 50, 24= 100, 25= 200, 26=nc, 27= VEL, 28=Hold Alt, 29= VI, 30= TERR, 31= ALTM, 32= edgelights 28 V, 400 Hz (converted to 5 V by transformer on instrument), 33= nc, 34= IN RNG, 35= LOW Vc, 36= J, 37= MEM. Green text lights use 5 V AC/DC power.
IN 2009 S/N 706 was traded to a museum. S/N 326 was sold in 2014. I've taken photos of both: 706 is to the LEFt. I considered it more complete and in better condition. Unit serial number 326 is to the RIGHT.
Links to the photos are: photo #1; photo #2; photo #3; photo #4; photo #5; photo #6.
I disassembled some other sights to pull some extra optical elements; as of SEpt 2009 some of these elements were sold. As of 2014, only the two circular transparent elements are left .
place to list parts wanted/for sale
Copyright © 2016 Herb Johnson
