1942 A-8B

[Edward]

 

[Edward]

additional info about the rubber turret covers highlighted in the text below from the book Combat Flying Equipment by C.G. Sweeting

 

[Carl]

T 44 microphone for oxygen masks A8B, A-10 and A-14

View attachment 8299
View attachment 8300

dont think i have ever seen a T44 in an A8b ??

 

[Edward]

I don't think I've ever seen any mic in an A-8B! I feel they didn't bother and just used throat mic or a T-17 handheld.

 

[dmar836]

Hey in the pic of the 91st navigator there is a manifold(or a fixed regulator) behind him with an O2 extension hose clamped to it! Not sure where it goes but maybe to another regulator he's using for the A8? Had never seen that before.
Dave

 

[Edward]

Hey in the pic of the 91st navigator there is a manifold(or a fixed regulator) behind him with an O2 extension hose clamped to it! Not sure where it goes but maybe to another regulator he's using for the A8? Had never seen that before.
Dave

nice catch and good eyes! some version of the Diluter Demand Oxygen Regulator. Bendix I believe made most if not all of them that were attached to tanks aboard the planes. looks like the standard A-10/A-14 oxygen hose. I wonder if there was an adaptor for the A-8B or if he is jacked into an A-8 or A-9 Bendix elsewhere.

 

[dmar836]

I’m assuming the later since I have never seen an adapter. It could very well be that the hoses like that one and those I have(fabric covered) were in service for other O2 lines long before the larger a-10/14 hoses and regulators came out. I’m sure if we keep the subject going more evidence will pop up.
Dave

 

[Carl]

I don't think I've ever seen any mic in an A-8B! I feel they didn't bother and just used throat mic or a T-17 handheld.

Throat mics for sure

 

[Carl]

Hey in the pic of the 91st navigator there is a manifold(or a fixed regulator) behind him with an O2 extension hose clamped to it! Not sure where it goes but maybe to another regulator he's using for the A8? Had never seen that before.
Dave

Thats what i was on about Dave when i mentioned the end of your hose .

 

[dmar836]

Thanks. I’m a bit slow on the uptake.

 

[Carl]

Thanks. I’m a bit slow on the uptake.

 

[Edward]

I'm cross threading from my other post but to cap off this thread (other than any new developments) I replaced the A-13 regulator on my A-4 walk around bottle with the earlier A-9A regulator so the A-8B oxygen mask hooks up to it.
I feel I have successfully completed my investigation and answered questions I had about the early walk around bottles, regulators and masks. thanks to all of you and the info found in the AN 03-50B-2 1943 AAF oxygen mask A-8B Handbook

 

[Edward]

was watching some newsreels and finally came across a couple of shots of crew using the turret valve covers on their A-8B oxygen masks.