The subject of Firebee cameras is largely uncharted. 'Lightning Bugs' contains very few details on the cameras installed in the various models. SPIE paper 'RPV sensor system interface' by Harry N. Hodges (see papers listing) contains a list of the main camera models used. It formed the basis for the listing below.
The first Firebee version, the Model 147A, had a 'Hycon 233A' camera system installed ('Lightning Bugs' page 35). The SPIE paper lists the 147A, B and G models as using the HR233 camera. It lists the focal length as 24 inches and the film format as 9 by 9 inches.
Dr Colin Hall runs a small Reconnaissance Museum in Birmingham (UK). The museum's collection started off in 1996 with a few British-made aerial reconnaissance cameras. The collection has grown with UK and US made cameras, images and associated equipment. The items range from WW1 to more recent equipment up to but excluding the era of electro-optical technology. The museum hopes to add a Hycon HR-233 'High Altitude Aerial Reconnaissance Camera' to their inventory in 2011. Colin was kind enough to supply a picture of the Hycon HR233 camera from the Hycon 'Aerial Photographic Reference Handbook'. Photos of the actual camera will hopefully follow.
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The SPIE paper lists the Model 147H and T as using the KA-88A / HR338A camera. The focal length is 24 inches and the film format as 9 by 9 inches.
147J (2)
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147NQ
147SA/SB/SC
147SD, KA-60C with larger film magazine. SPIE paper 'The Fairchild KS-120A panoramic reconnaissance camera system' by E. J. Kuebert (see papers listing). Aerial Photo Lab Museum with a photo of the KS-120A Panoramic Camera. It reports that the format is 70mm x 11" and it uses rolls of film that are 6400 feet.
The fourth photo shows a 'KS-120A mockup installed in nose'.
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The SPIE paper lists Model 147NC(M1) as using the Acton KA-85A camera. The focal length is 3 inches and the film format as 2.25 by 7.2 inches. Acton appears to be part of Princeton Instruments now.
The SPIE paper lists Model 147NP as using the KB-10 camera. The focal length is 3 inches and the film format as 2.25 by 2.25 inches. The manufacturer is not yet established.
147SRE (2)
BGM-34C, laser line scan camera
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