In a message dated 9/3/01 5:29:52 PM Central Standard Time, kuhrick@home.com
writes:
<< no one talking about the NATO standard
even the cucvs was made 24 volts so the same radio gear would run in both
and jumping off the slave plugs
>>
Ken is correct. I recently researched and submitted an article to Army
Motors on this subject. Without giving away all of Reg's thunder, I can say
this much:
Special Regulation SR 705-325-1, dated 18 March 1949, specified that "All
tactical vehicular development will be directed toward 24 volt DC systems."
The United States entered into an International agreement with Canada and the
United Kingdom on 27 June 1950, further specifying 24 volt electrical
systems. Advantages cited at that time include easier cold weather starting,
simplification of production, maintenance and supply by having a singular
electrical system. Other reasons mentioned were the savings of critical
wartime materials (copper, etc.) because of the reduced size of wiring
required for the higher (24) voltage systems.
Criticism of this decision from some sectors began as early as 1949, with a
special study being done that affirmed the soundness of this system. The
issue was re-examined by another committee in the 70's, which not
surprisingly yielded the same results as did the earlier one.
More details of this and the sealed ignition system in the upcoming article.
Hope this helps,
David Doyle
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : Mon Oct 08 2001 - 10:58:56 PDT