ARIA Parabolic Dish Antenna
10 foot radomes were installed on each of the original ARIA aircraft. Inside this bulbous radome was the world's largest airborne steerable antenna. The parablic dish antenna measured 83 inches and was used for telemetry and communication reception.
The antenna control operator was responsible for troubleshooting and repair of the dish, drive assembly, and the associated electronic sub-assemblies mounted on the dish and bulkhead of the aircraft.
Access into the radome was achieved through a 36 inch reinforced fiberglass hatch secured to the radome by 36 screws. Each time the radome was accessed through this hatch the antenna control operator was required to "Red X" the aircraft. This was documented in the aircraft's maintenance records.
However, it was possible to access the interior of the radome without removal of the access hatch. This was done by entering the access panel just aft of the radome on the bottom of the aircraft; reference picture on the right. Entry through this hinged locking panel would allow access between the original airframe of the aircraft and the added support frame of the radome. Once inside this crawl space it was possible to remove the fabric covers between this space and the interior of the radome. This was not the approved method of access.
Accessing the radome by this method did allow quick access for repair of the antenna assembly and electronic sub-assembies while downrange without having to "Red X" the aircraft.
Source: Randy Losey
