In 1962 and early 1963, I was on active duty at Ft. Bragg, NC as an Army Aviator with the 3rd Missile Command. The aircraft assigned to our unit included a RL-23D manufactured by Beechcraft and equipped with the AN/APQ-86 side-looking airborne radar manufactured by Texas Instruments. I was the only pilot in our unit checked out in the aircraft. As I recall, the aircraft’s identification number was 58-1331. The Missile Command was deactivated in early 1963 about the same time as my active duty tour was ending so I have no idea what ever became of the airplane.
I am a graduate of Virginia Tech (then known as VPI) and was a member of the Corps of Cadets. Now, some 40 plus years later, the Corps has established an Aviation Wall of Fame featuring the military aircraft flown by former members of the Corps. In order to “induct” an aircraft into the Wall of Fame, a line drawing side view of the aircraft is needed along with a color photo of the actual aircraft that will show its paint scheme. I have found a color picture of my old “bird” (see attachment) but have run up against a brick wall with regard to finding a line drawing.
I recollect that the RL-23D was a modification of the L-23D with some changes to the fuselage and the wings. I am also under the impression that there were relatively few RL-23Ds delivered to the Army and that there were differences between various RL-23Ds depending on which radar unit was installed.
I am therefore seeking your help with any information you may be able to provide, perhaps from your archives, regarding RL-23Ds in general as well as the details, specifications, service history, etc. of my particular “bird”. A copy of a line drawing would also be greatly appreciated as well as a list of any publications that might contain the information I am seeking. Alternatively, I would appreciate any recommendations for other organizations I might contact for this information. Thank you for your assistance with this project.