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Collection from Italy: #1 F4U Pilot, late war.


BlueBookGuy
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BlueBookGuy

Detail of the left-side ANB-H-1A earphone, fitted into the last wartime variation of AN-6542 summer helmet.

Made by "Permoflux", they were used exclusively by USN and USMC airmen:

 

post-151851-0-30916300-1394298461.jpg

 

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BlueBookGuy

Needless to say, the most prominent difference between this very pilot and a more "classic"-looking typical USN (or USMC) aviator is the green nylon flight suit, in this case made by "Alda Mills" - other makers were for example The Drybak Corporation, and Willis & Geiger.

A matching helmet (actually, a subvariation of the AN-6542) made in green nylon was put into production in October 1944, so we can assume the period for introducing this suit could have been -more or less- the same as for the helmet.

 

This is just one of many combinations of equipments and clothing being possible even in that late wartime period. And it makes a wellcome contrast against a yellow Life Vest, much more so than if worn on a khaki one.

Also, a B-8 USN Goggles could go equally very well instead of the glorious AN-6530, and an older-fashioned earphone set of the TH-37 pattern would have been not wrong (even if worn in early summer 1945).

This wanted to be a correct, less-known look for a USN pilot towards war's end.

 

Thanks for watching, Franco.

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  • 1 month later...
BlueBookGuy

Some more detail shots.

A secondary maybe, but important thing are the correct comm. connections. As a late-war display, this pilot equipped with A-14 oxy. mask has disposed of the old-fashioned system based on the throat-mikes. These relied upon an extension cord having either the "push-to-talk" switch (if so, the AN CX-41/AR-5) or the later one with "snap action" switch (the AN CX-41A/AR-5).

 

This pilot sports the latest and also simpler system wich does employ a 5-foot extension cord wich attaches to mask microphone (system AN CX-42/AR-5) virtually identical to USAAF's, except for the end plug.

Here, the different shape and lenght of AN-6542 helmet's jack plug and microphone cord's jack plug:

 

post-151851-0-79918800-1397390699.jpg

 

 

 

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BlueBookGuy

Here instead, the connected ends of helmet's cord and its proper extension's cord.

As seen, just one letter difference between nomenclature of the two (N.A.F. 215284-2 vs. N.A.F. 215285-2)

 

post-151851-0-60004900-1397390772.jpg

 

 

here the receiver end of helmet's extension cord:

post-151851-0-83327400-1397391031.jpg

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BlueBookGuy

While in the late war AAF and Navy pilots the A-14's microphone extensions do have different jack plugs for connecting to plane's radio box, extension cords from helmets' earphones to plane's radio do have the same fitting for both aviators.

Just the nomenclature is different.

 

Here, cord's end in the AAF helmet-to-radio extension:

post-151851-0-84175100-1397408757.jpg

 

Here, the same in Navy helmet-to-radio extension:

post-151851-0-47919600-1397408825.jpg

 

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  • 2 weeks later...
BlueBookGuy

Something is currently moving, in order to finally get the very last of important items to be worn by this Corsair guy.

 

A QAS parachute harness should be here before long, belonging to the "modified Army/Navy" series. Thus the more classic assembly having the double layer, black dotted webbing with horizontal chest strap.

The two rigger-added triangular rings are present as well, sewn to vertical straps, for suspending the two front belts coming up from seat 'chute pack. Really impatient to have them here!! :)

 

Will post photos of the really ready-to-go guy, once completed.

Franco.

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BlueBookGuy

While not hanging from AN-6519 Life Preserver as it's seen in some wartime pics, original USN flashlight was somehow overlooked.

This F4U guy carries it in a lower front leg pocket. Always possible to attach subsequently to AN-6519, or QAS - if, and when I'll got this latter.

 

Original cardboard box read:

Flashlight, electric, hand, with lamp. Non-focusing type. Fulton Manufacturing Co. - Wauseon, Ohio.

 

post-151851-0-51604700-1399119403.jpg

post-151851-0-05913300-1399119419.jpg

post-151851-0-36746500-1399119433.jpg

 

 

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BlueBookGuy

Here a photo (from Internet) of comparable WW2 flashlights, similar or very similar to mine.

All appear to be metal-made, my grey specimen previously posted being of plastic.

 

The first two from right are Fulton Mfg.

post-151851-0-84511400-1399206867.jpg

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  • 4 weeks later...
BlueBookGuy

The newest arrival :rolleyes:

 

at last, the QAS harness now is being worn by this Navy guy. Could still be missing a F4U airplane, any suggestion is welcome if useful to steal one in some museums.. any ideas? :D

 

post-151851-0-39204500-1401536146.jpg

post-151851-0-91315200-1401536166.jpg

 

 

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BlueBookGuy

could be this one, the last addition? The whole pilot has received the final touch in my opinion, Q.A.S. harness is perfect.

 

The M-592 Back Survival kit is OK a display even without its contents, but I do not even start in thinking to search for them - overall appearance is only too good this way.

The proper US Navy Q.A.S. parachute harness was somehow needed if wanting to have a most possible complete pilot, like most of others in my collection.

Remaining items all do contribute to a good late wartime fighter pilot - somehow a different thing from the classic, more known and "iconic" Navy or Marine aviator.

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