Jump to content

Typical WW2 USAAF pilot's headset


MattS
 Share

Recommended Posts

My inspiration for this headset, as historically inaccurate as it may be, BG Frank Savage from the TV series "12 O'Clock High". :D

 

 

post-32676-0-73446900-1524184197.png

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

5thwingmarty

So this guy is a gunner, not a pilot but his headset is pretty clear. In the original photo you can read the PL-354 on the plug.

 

post-96854-0-21552500-1524236463_thumb.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

phantomfixer

Nice pics and display guys..time the HS33 are getting their time in the sun...

 

Why is he not a pilot? could be...nothing to really classify him either way...my bad...unless there is something in the original photo...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

5thwingmarty

I double checked and his primary position was as a radio operator, not just a gunner. His last name and the last four of his service number are on his Mae West. The full data stamp is also legible on the Mae West as well.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I snagged another headset cheap and it came with this cord, which I believe is the one that goes from the HS-33 to the aircraft jack/intercom box? Any help is appreciated!

post-32676-0-16418700-1524482361_thumb.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

phantomfixer

looks like the extension cord that would go from headset/helmet to interphone control box... a nice cord to have...and now you will need the push to talk switch....

Link to comment
Share on other sites

looks like the extension cord that would go from headset/helmet to interphone control box... a nice cord to have...and now you will need the push to talk switch....

 

Yes I do!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 year later...

I know there was a dicussion on the white foam ear cushion being post war use. I saw this pic and wanted to know what type is this gent on the upper left wearing?

post-11740-0-57300100-1564974097.jpg

 

Semper Fi

Phil

Link to comment
Share on other sites

BlueBookGuy

I snagged another headset cheap and it came with this cord, which I believe is the one that goes from the HS-33 to the aircraft jack/intercom box? Any help is appreciated!

 

hello, just noticed now - this kind of cord extension is strictly USN, not AAF. First letter a bit scratched is "N", N.A.F. for Naval Aircraft Factory.

N.A.F. 215284-2 on this plug, and the radio jack at the other end must necessarily carry "N.A.F. PART N° 1136-1" , being not visible in this photo.

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

hello, just noticed now - this kind of cord extension is strictly USN, not AAF. First letter a bit scratched is "N", N.A.F. for Naval Aircraft Factory.

N.A.F. 215284-2 on this plug, and the radio jack at the other end must necessarily carry "N.A.F. PART N° 1136-1" , being not visible in this photo.

 

 

Thanks, that makes sense. Guess I need to get a USN headset now!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think those are the chamois lined type (post 25 on here) ear cups. They do contrast with the black rubber.

That is what I thought. This is a war time picture. So these were worn during the war. Not post war like many suggest.

Here is the full photo with the story/timeframe behind it.

post-11740-0-01442800-1565054374.jpg

 

Semper Fi

Phil

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It appears these ear pads were used in a modified form (with microphone attached) in the 1950s in SAC bombers according to this scene from "Strategic Air Command" with Jimmy Stewart and Harry Morgan. I don't know the nomenclature for this set-up.

post-32676-0-84007500-1565099842.png

Link to comment
Share on other sites

pararaftanr2

That is what I thought. This is a war time picture. So these were worn during the war. Not post war like many suggest.

Here is the full photo with the story/timeframe behind it.

attachicon.gifFoam headset hutchs book.jpg

 

Semper Fi

Phil

Phil,

After a closer look at the photo you posted, I would have to disagree. I believe what you are seeing is an HS-33 headset that is using the cushions from an RAF air crew headset. Rather than "white foam", they are kapok filled, chamois covered "doughnuts" that were the inspiration for what the US used later on both flying helmets (A-11, AN-H-15, etc.) and headset cushions. Below is an enlargement from your photo. Note how far the earphones protrude and how much of the "doughnut" is showing, then compare that to the US version to see the difference. Also shown is the RAF aircrew headset without earphones, then one with RAF earphones and cord (and throat mic).

Regards, Paul

 

post-9787-0-06122000-1565101675_thumb.jpg

post-9787-0-25100500-1565101709.jpg

post-9787-0-53834900-1565101825.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

phantomfixer

Also...the large rubber cups in the A-11 and the AN-H-15 were sewn into the flight helmets...there are examples of the HS headsets with earcups designed for the flight helmets, with the raw unsewn material still attached, being used as HS earcups ..that is earcups never having been sewn on to a flight helmet, redirected as headset earcups..

I am not sure if these flight helmet cups were wartime used or postwar use...but seems feasible they were used during wartime

 

pic is from worthpoint

post-155518-0-99051800-1565125025.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yes Paul it does look like a RAF headset when you zoom in . It has the same bumps on the side.

Well I thought I was on to something.

Thank you for the clarification and the excellent example of the RAF to compare.

Spot on!

Phantom that is another interesting example of American ingenuity.

Thanks for that pic.

Semper Fi

Phil

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 months later...

Phil,

Yes, I'd say so, and the good news is that the typical British bell-shaped plug and fabric covered wiring they would have been made with has been replaced by what looks like rubber covered wiring and a US PL-354 (red) plug. That may possibly indicate they were in use by someone in the USAAF?

Regards, Paul

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share

×
×
  • Create New...