KA-6D Intruder Pilot Question

[eraucubsfan]

Gonna build a KA-6D in 1/48 as VA-196 in 72-73 era.  I want to use some of Reedoaks awesome figures. 

 

Did the KA-6 crews use the boom mics?   

[A-10 LOADER]

No, 02 masks.

Steve

[Winnie]

The A-6 crews could switch between. their helmets usually had both.

[Glynn Jacobs]

I wish SOMEBODY would make some nice "Boom Mic" -helmeted pilots from the 90's up in 72nd scale!

 

Got a few kits like the E-2C and some trainers that could usr some good pilots! :-)

 

WARDOG

[A-10 LOADER]

On 11/20/2024 at 1:01 PM, Winnie said:

The A-6 crews could switch between. their helmets usually had both.

Tactical jets had O2masks, the E-2, C-2, S-3, HELO guys had boom mics.

Steve

[RichB63]

I think @eraucubsfan is asking about this (stowed mic) option from Reedoak…

 

https://reedoak.com/#!/1-48-US-Navy-fighter-pilot-1969-late-70s-era-with-APH-6A-and-additional-boom-mic-sitting-9-visor-up-hands-on-sticks/p/624675298

 

I’m no expert, but I can’t imagine this was a common option for fast jet pilots. As always though, I’m happy to be proved wrong.

 

Rich

Edited November 25, 2024 by RichB63

[eraucubsfan]

@RichB63 Yes I was, I probably should have noted that in my original post.  

[A-10 LOADER]

"I’m no expert, but I can’t imagine this was a common option for fast jet pilots. As always though, I’m happy to be proved wrong."

Same, I can honestly say I've never see a picture of a tactical jet crew wearing the boom mic.

Steve

[eraucubsfan]

2 minutes ago, A-10 LOADER said:

"I’m no expert, but I can’t imagine this was a common option for fast jet pilots. As always though, I’m happy to be proved wrong."

Same, I can honestly say I've never see a picture of a tactical jet crew wearing the boom mic.

Steve

Me neither, except for pictures from "Flight of the Intruder"  

[A-10 LOADER]

2 minutes ago, eraucubsfan said:

Me neither, except for pictures from "Flight of the Intruder"  

And that's Hollywood so ....

Steve

[Winnie]

There are images of Intruder guys with mask off and boom mic, but I don't have the book anymore...  But yes, they were indeed sometimes issued with a dual setup. I don't know why.

[norbert]

Reedoak do both version : with and without boom mics. To my knowledge, pilots started to install boom mics on regular helmets, to have the choice between using the mask in altitude or cold weather, or the mic instead of the mask at low altitude in hot conditions. When not used, the boom mic is stacked above the helmet. You can find pictures with boom mics helmets on Intruder, Phantom II, Skyhawk, Skyraider...etc. and later even in F-14 (gulf war) and F-18. It was not uncommon but also not the general settup.

[eraucubsfan]

@norbert I will be purchasing your figures, they are my favorites.  I was wanting to know which ones to get for a KA-6 Intruder 

[norbert]

KA-6D integrated squadrons later than 1970 (did not find exact date). If they flew only high altitude, no mic would be more probable. However, I found out that at this time some pilots could switch plane and mission, and have therefore a helmet with boom mic plus mask receivers, just to make the things less simple...

Edited December 1, 2024 by norbert

[Niels]

Ultimately this comes down to the builders preference 😉