I filled out three suggestions during my time on C-130’s and got one approved. That one was a new tool to install the old Doppler radome (“pre-SCNS†mod) on the belly. When I was first shown how to install the radome, the procedure was to shove a screwdriver in the fastener receptacle, then turn it counterclockwise(?) to “load†the receptacle. Of course, once you FINALLY got the damn thing installed, there was always a couple of fasteners on the leading edge that wouldn’t tighten down so you had to drop the thing and start all over. What I suggested was to have a new radome fastener itself welded onto a standard apex holder, then use that attached to a speed handle to “preload†the fastener. Using the fastener kept you from damaging the receptacle, and you could get all of them preloaded much faster than using a screwdriver. It was also more consistent in the amount of force you used. It helped that I actually had a fastener welded to an apex holder and sent it in with the suggestion as a show and tell. This was submitted in the 1991- 1992 timeframe, and it was approved, but according to my squadron commander it was only “because it’s a good idea, if you had submitted it 10 years ago before SCNS, you’d have made a ton of cash. However, with the new SCNS Doppler radome, it isn’t needed.†Sad part is, I first thought this up back in 1980. Moral of the story: Don’t put off a good idea. I did make $100 off the deal, and still have the tool in my desk drawer.
James