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This 1942 Fairbanks Aeronautical Chart presents a view of Alaskan aviation routes and resources, constructed for the United States Army Air Forces by the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey. As a military aviation map produced amidst the turbulence of World War II, it stands as a significant object of the era, illuminating the technical complexities of wartime navigation and communication.
Intended strictly for use by War and Navy Department agencies, the chart underscores the crucial role of aviation in wartime strategy and operations. It comprehensively marks various aviation assets such as Army, Navy, and Marine Corps fields, commercial or municipal airports, auxiliary fields, seaplane bases, and intermediate fields. Moreover, it includes indicators of radio stations and radio direction finder stations, complete with their call letters and frequencies, highlighting the vital role of radio communication in coordinating military operations.
The Fairbanks Aeronautical Chart further distinguishes itself through the inclusion of marine navigational lights, marine radiobeacons, and lines of equal magnetic variation, reflecting the interplay of different navigational systems. The chart also illustrates terrestrial elements such as railroads, roads, trails, and even foot depth curves, attesting to the intricate relationship between air and ground logistics during the war.
Cautionary notes regarding the potential alteration or discontinuation of lights, radio facilities, and other aids to air navigation due to war conditions provide a stark reminder of the fluid and unpredictable nature of the wartime environment. These annotations reflect the pressing need for adaptability in the face of rapidly changing conditions on the battlefield.
Consequently, the Fairbanks Aeronautical Chart offers an invaluable window into the operational intricacies of wartime aviation and communication systems. This unique perspective makes it an important resource for those studying the dynamics of aerial warfare and navigation during World War II.
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