WWII U.S. Navy Radar Test Equipment OBU-3 – Echo Box Assembly – Bureau of Ships

Offered here is an original World War II U.S. Navy radar test equipment unit designated OBU-3, complete with attached Echo Box assembly (CABV-14ABA-1).

 

Manufactured for the Navy Department – Bureau of Ships by Johnson Service Company (Milwaukee, WI), this unit was used in radar calibration and testing applications during WWII.

 

 

 

 

🔍 Details:

 

 

• Model: OBU-3 Radar Test Equipment
• Component: CABV-14ABA-1 Echo Box Assembly
• Manufacturer: Johnson Service Company
• Branch: U.S. Navy – Bureau of Ships
• Contract: NXSr 65336 (as marked)
• WWII-era production
• Original data plates intact and legible

 

 

 

 

 

📦 Condition:

 

 

• Untested
• Structurally complete with major components present
• Echo box and viewing assembly intact
• Shows cosmetic wear, paint loss, and age-related wear
• Some corrosion present on mounting points
• Stored dry

 

 

Being sold as:

 

• Collector piece
• Restoration project
• Or display item for a WWII radar/electronics collection

 

 

 

 

 

📡 Historical Significance:

 

 

The OBU-3 was used in:

 

• Radar calibration and testing
• Signal simulation via echo box systems
• Maintenance of naval radar equipment
• Training and diagnostic operations

 

 

Echo boxes were critical for simulating radar returns and verifying system performance without live targets.

 

 

 

 

💡 Why This Piece Stands Out:

 

 

• Complete radar test assembly with echo box
• Bureau of Ships marked WWII equipment
• Large, visually impressive unit
• Strong crossover appeal: naval history + radar technology

 

 

 

 

 

🎯 Collector Appeal:

 

 

Ideal for:

 

• WWII naval radar collectors
• Electronics and communications collectors
• Museum or display installations
• Advanced radar equipment collections

 

 

 

 

 

🚚 Shipping & Terms:

 

 

• Ships securely packed (large/heavy item)
• Local pickup available at Whiskey Rebellion Antiques – Bedford, PA
• We combine shipping when possible

FREE SHIPPING!