boxerdogi Posted March 16, 2021 Share #1 Posted March 16, 2021 I really enjoy the various Navy oxygen mask setups. This is a pretty rare example. Mask mounted, rear facing mini regulator. This mask belonged to Rudy Kraus when he was flying with the VF -14 Tophatters. He was executive officer on the 66’-67’ tour and CO on the 67’-68’ tour aboard the FDR. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boxerdogi Posted March 16, 2021 Author Share #2 Posted March 16, 2021 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vark_07 Posted March 16, 2021 Share #3 Posted March 16, 2021 Pretty rare configuration indeed, and not only because of the mini regulator and the REDAR hose. Nice find ! I see butterfly bayonets fixed to the hardshell's harness, so no doubt this Phantom driver used it with an APH-6 helmet. Interestingly enough, an early version APH-5 (late 50's early 60's) with a somewhat similar-looking MS-22001 with "in-line" Firewel mini regulator setup was sold a few days ago here in France. Here's for comparison purpose. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manayunkman Posted March 16, 2021 Share #4 Posted March 16, 2021 Never seen one before. Thank you for posting this. Peter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vark_07 Posted March 16, 2021 Share #5 Posted March 16, 2021 Out of curiosity about the mask you've shared with us, I've found another MS-22001 "in-line" mounted mini regulator and hardshell / harness setup that looks closer to you example than the one I posted before (which was likely a Crusader driver's). Coming along with an interim version APH-5 retrofitted with Christmas tree bayonets, this set is said to be from a Phantom driver from the early 60's, and prefigures pretty well your mask's configuration. source - Salimbeti Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boxerdogi Posted March 16, 2021 Author Share #6 Posted March 16, 2021 Just a note...the yellowed plastic tube just behind the plug insert is to protect the redar hose. The hose would snap into a clip on the helmet just below the ear. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vark_07 Posted March 16, 2021 Share #7 Posted March 16, 2021 Now that's interesting information, surely as an attempt for the aviator's head to gaining more freedom of movement. I guess that helmet hose retention would explain why these early REDAR setups were connected the closest -and as a matter of fact directly- to the mask (what I've called "in-line"), contrary to the later chest-mounted configuration that became standard, sporting the mini regulator (in the iconic chest pouch) connected to a larger diameter hose, itself connected to the mask. I wish we could find pictures of aircrews wearing such sets ! Side note, this plastic tube can also be seen on the example I've posted above. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mohawkALSE Posted March 17, 2021 Share #8 Posted March 17, 2021 Boxer which regulator does your mask have on it? Is it a Robert Shaw? That plastic sleeve on the REDAR hose makes sense that it would do to a helmet mounted clip seeing the position it goes from the regulator. Doesn't make as must sense on this last helmet setup with the other type of regulator. Navy has too many variations of masks and helmets! and on top of that too many comm setups for both, so confusing! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boxerdogi Posted March 17, 2021 Author Share #9 Posted March 17, 2021 Here’s the actual helmet that it mates with. Unfortunately I am not the owner of the helmet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mohawkALSE Posted March 17, 2021 Share #10 Posted March 17, 2021 Damn, too bad you couldn't get the helmet with that mask. It would be a killer display together, love that artwork. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jerry_k Posted March 17, 2021 Share #11 Posted March 17, 2021 Guys, you look like very very advanced in post WW2 - 50s and VN era flying gear stuff (included NAVY stuff). Do you have some complete pilots mannequins to show? Always nice to see some more Navy flying great from post WW2 era! Cheers, Jerry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AMT500E Posted March 18, 2021 Share #12 Posted March 18, 2021 Quote; Just a note...the yellowed plastic tube just behind the plug insert is to protect the redar hose. The hose would snap into a clip on the helmet just below the ear. Basic configuration. The clip is hidden behind the comms jack. This "Redar" hose 'kit' was supplied with hose clip, placard/decal, sew on retention pieces for attachment to the harness and detailed instructions for the rigger to perform installation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boxerdogi Posted March 18, 2021 Author Share #13 Posted March 18, 2021 That’s a killer example! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mohawkALSE Posted March 18, 2021 Share #14 Posted March 18, 2021 Nice set right there! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vark_07 Posted March 18, 2021 Share #15 Posted March 18, 2021 Outstanding ! Thank you for sharing, that illustrates the topic very well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bebel Posted June 8, 2021 Share #16 Posted June 8, 2021 What a very rare O2 mask set! Great find. I've unfortunately never found the dedicated early Phantom mask with its special REDAR set that would have perfectly fitted with my VF-84 APH-5 helmet! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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