CURTISS C-46 COMMANDO ARMY TYPE E-1 AMMETER

The Curtiss C-46 Commander's primary electrical system was 240 volt DC, sourced from two x 200-amp engine-driven generators and two x 24 volt batteries connected in parallel with its two engine-driven generators.

The DC power circuit also included two voltage regulators and reverse-current relays; two x battery solenoids; two x 300 ah Ammeters (one for each of the two 200 amp engine driven alternators), and a volt meter, which were located on the pilot’s overhead control panel.

The master ignition switch which turned off all battery power and grounded the ignition system to stop each engine, was also located on the overhead control panel.

The C-46 Commando’s charging system was also supplemented by the aircraft’s auxiliary power unit (the putt-putt).

The auxiliary power unit was always used to start the two 2000hp Pratt & Whitney R-2800 engines due to their large power draw and the fact that using the aircraft’s batteries ran the risk of loosing the Commander’s propeller governor control on takeoff.      

This is an amazing piece of aviation memorabilia from the C-46 Commando troop/cargo transporter and combined with its detailed scale model of the aircraft perched atop its magnetic removable display arm and detailed printed Fact Sheet, would make a fantastic gift for any aviation enthusiast.

This Curtiss C-46 Commando Collectable comes complete with detailed Scale Model, Mango Wood Stand & Plaque plus Printed Fact Sheet featuring photo of instrument in aircraft cockpit

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