View Full Version : Phantom ejection seat and pilot survial equipment.
7A1 Seat
11th Jan 2014, 10:08
I have restored a 7A1 Phantom seat and I am now near to completing the contents of the PSP. I am also collecting the survival equipment carried by RAF aircrew at that time and I'm seeking help and advice on the PLB units carried. Can anyone advise what SARBE units would have been used. I have sourced both PYE ARI23237/1 and Sarbe 3 BE-310 units but I can't figure out which would have been used. The pockets on the LSJ I have appears to suit the 310. What confuses me is that AP108-0529-1 refers to the PSP containing 1no 5J/6395829 PYE 13x battery suggesting a PYE beacon was carried. I am not ex RAF and I realise all you ladies and gents are busy doing a fantastic job for us but any help or pointers to sources of information would be very much appreciated.
PICKS135
11th Jan 2014, 16:00
Pye beacons were in use 1981 - 83 when I was in Flying clothing at Leuchars. Cant remember when the SARBE, was discontinued.
ragpacker
11th Jan 2014, 17:43
If I remember right, I think it would be mid to late seventies. Was on flying clothing at Colt and I'm fairly sure SARBEs were still in use around 77-78.
big v
11th Jan 2014, 17:52
IIRC the SARBE had a flick out aerial which could cut flesh or lifejackets but was very vulnerable to being snapped off. The PLB featured a stubby aerial which was much safer. I think the change over occured about 1980.
But that is a long time ago!
Regards,
Vernon
Tashengurt
11th Jan 2014, 17:57
To answer which beacon would be suitable for your lsj it would depend on what mk it is and what mod state.
I think the easiest way to tell would be to look at the left pocket. If it's got a large round hole in the bottom then thats for the turret on the plb cap and the Pye will fit.
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Tashengurt
11th Jan 2014, 17:58
vernon M???
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big v
11th Jan 2014, 20:22
Derinitely not M, try H!
PICKS135
11th Jan 2014, 21:53
Posted this on the Ancient Squippers facebook page and got a few answers.
This will probably be the one your looking for though.
Picks, the PLB's were introduced in 1980-81 as that was the year I completed my flying clothing course and immediately afterwards I started work on 43 Sqn Flying Clothing and I remember modifying the Mk 10 life preservers with the PLB pockets.