Tornado AR5 set up...

[TonkaMick]

Hi,


I would like to make up a full Tornado AR5 set-up for display, after lots of googling I cannot find much info at all or pictures showing the typical set up in service in the 1980’s / 90’s, hence I’m looking for some advice!



I have an early Tornado MK3c Bonedome with half moon silver LEMO connection and a MK4A/4 NVG Bonedome with a 12 pin Black LEMO connector plus an early MK27 LSJ and a later MK31 LSJ, I’m now just looking for the correct type of AR5’s and supply hoses etc to make the set.



I have seen several different types of the AR5’s Oxygen connection hoses which have various types of mounting plate in the middle to attach to the LSJ, one type has two vertical prongs facing downwards which I think might be for aircrew who are not wearing an LSJ, the type with prongs fitting into a holder which poppers attach to 6 poppers on the front of a Flying Suit? Another type has a flat plate which is wedge shaped, my question is which is the correct type and how would the plate clip/attach onto the front of a MK27 and MK31 type LSJ for Tornado crews?



Also the two hoses which lead from the AR5 Hood Mask, after terminating in the mounting block mentioned above, I have seen some with one large diameter oxygen hose which connects to the Pilots PEC and others with the large hose and a smaller hose, not sure what the difference is or which one is correct for Tornado if anyone can help?



Many thanks!



Mick

[Tashengurt]

It's been a year or 24 since I worked on F3s but from memory they used the two prong jobby.
these slotted into little pouches on the front of the LSJ snd were held fast with poppers.

The single blade type went into a receiver that clipped onto the LSJ chest plate.

I think the Tonka only had the single thicker down pipe from the regulator.

The other type was used on Phantoms, Harriers and mebbe Jags.

For the full experience you should fill one with snot and sweat and let people rummage around in it!

[Tashengurt]

.It's been a year or 24 since I worked on F3s but from memory they used the two prong jobby.
these slotted into little pouches on the front of the LSJ snd were held fast with poppers.

Now I'm doubting myself. Was the Tornado the single prong?
Must've serviced hundreds and gone through endless decontam drills but I'm not sure now!

[TonkaMick]

Hi Tashengurt,

Many thanks for the info, that makes perfect sense,

Here’s a few pics I’ve found, looking at an early 1980’s/90’s MK27 LSJ... Thinking the two poppers on the lower front of the Bladder might match up with the popper studs on the Regulator...?

Also I’ve seen another type, marked to RAF Coningsby, it has a plate on the Regulator as in the picture, I wondered if this is a slightly later type which would fit the plate on the front of an F.3’s MK31 LSJ...?

Many thanks..!


https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/750x548/49b22957_b26e_46c0_83a7_584766f33c6e_6d562d8cc2abe129910b421 eaa267f9eecf568f6.jpeg
Possibly a later type from an F.3 Mk31 LSJ..?



https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/438x555/76843bf2_c835_46a4_95cd_71179b2e8668_4aa5a15b7cf4cb05c121e82 d0c6818e11b33b82a.jpeg
Was wondering, maybe these poppers attach the Regulator to an early MK27 type LSJ?
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/511x380/2057290c_02c7_4cca_9624_b0da8bcc3be0_637747f0ed85f5a6b418564 154a5c94273c496db.jpeg
Attaching to the two poppers on the lower part of the Bladder cover maybe?

[Tashengurt]

TM,
That makes sense and explains my moment of doubt. I do dimly recall modding all the AR5's with the single prong as the '31 came in.

[TonkaMick]

Hi Tashengurt,

That’s grand,

Many thanks for all your help,

Mick

[geniculate]

Another place to ask about the AR5 assembly would be the RAF Centre of Aviation Medicine. They may have the resources you need

[Stitchbitch]

When I was AR5’ing on F.3, we’d just swapped to Mk.31 LSJ with the plate on the front. IIRC there were vertical slots on the front closure plate that the mount would clip into. The AR5 manifold then slotted onto that. Happy days trapping the odd annoying crew in the airlock, decontaming the QWI junta, and watching endless re-runs of Blackadder while eating tasty tucker.

[Tashengurt]

. Happy days trapping the odd annoying crew in the airlock, decontaming the QWI junta, and watching endless re-runs of Blackadder while eating tasty tucker.

Those were the days. Endless hours stuck in the PBF with only the hope of getting killed off during a post air raid sweep of the building exterior to keep you going.

Still, better than guard duty in some remote sanger being force fed babies heads.