Mondo-bizarro R5D testbed

[JRH]

Anybody got a clue what this bird was all about? I've seen a lot of C-54/R5D pics in my time, but this is a new one on me. I have no information whatever.

[Mark Allen M]

Look here, a bit down the thread.

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=55359

[JohnB]

That photo has been around forever...it's in both editions of McDonnell Douglas Aircraft since 1920 by Rene Francillon.
I'd like to see another view of it. I'd guess the wing pods might be antennas...or perhaps even generators to provide the power.

[JRH]

The caption says (and their configuration supports) that the pods are radars. A generator wouldn't need to be anywhere remotely that big, and you wouldn't need four of them. And there's no visible mechanical apparatus for a generator. Something has to turn something to generate power. With a pod like that you'd need a propeller.

[famvburg]

What about an APU inside the cabin?