What Is This US Navy Aerial Device?

[Charlie Flick]

This LIFE magazine photo taken during the Korean War illustrates a bombed up Douglas Skyraider on a carrier. What is the device mounted in the canister marked "H2 AGSK G1 PCHT"? It seems to have a parachute as part of it. Could it be a droppable life raft or survival kit? It does not have the appearance of ordnance.

 

Thanks.

 

Regards,

Charlie

 

 

 

 

[uberguido]

PCHT would suggest a parachute for sure. SK maybe survival kit?

[Cobrahistorian]

Charlie,

 

I think you're on to something with the air droppable life raft/survival kit. Seems to make the most sense.

 

Jon

[WWII Parachutist]

As indicated by the stenciling, on the left side you can just barely see a 24' diameter G-1 Aerial Delivery Chute. No idea as to the contents though.

[hink441]

Sorry I cant help with the info on the chute, but that is a GREAT picture.

 

Sadly, we just lost a very close family friend who flew the A-1 with VA-195 in Korea. He was on the Hwachon dam strike and delivered a 2000 lb general purpose bomb on the dam. I did not learn of the dam strike until very late in his life, he was very quiet about his +30 year flying career. Here is a link to the Dam strike.

 

http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/2000s/2001/mj01/korea.pdf