G-suit question

[shootar401]

When was the CSU-12 and CSU-13 G-suits fielded? I hear it was early to mid 70's but that doesn't seem right to me. Also when did the CSU-3/P g-suit begin to be phased out and replaced by the 12/13 series during the Vietnam war?

 

Thanks

[northcoastaero]

I had a CSU-12/P at one time. It was dated 1970-1972. It had a valve connector at the end of the hose instead of a connector and a pouch with an inflator/plug. I believe that the later CSU-3/P were modified this way also. I am almost certain that the CSU-13/P was introduced during the 1970s. A variation of the CSU-13B/P is the current issue. I would say that the CSU-3/P was beginning to be phased out during the 1970s.

[shootar401]

Thanks. I'm still looking for a Med-Reg CSU-3/P to complete my Vietnam pilots mannequin. I didn't think a CSU-13 would be the correct timeframe.

[BlueBookGuy]

The earliest photo I've seen of a CSU-13/P was dated summer 1974.

Perhaps the model could be even earlier.