Racal-Amplivox Astrolite headset

[Mooncrest]

Evening all. I have just acquired a used example of this classic old headset. I am reliably informed it was used on British Airways Trident, TriStar and Concorde aircraft. Given the obsolescence of these aircraft types, is it still likely to be usable on more modern aircraft ? The headset has standard twin plugs and an amplified magnetic microphone.

Thankyou all.

[Sevarg]

Should work. I spent my time on helicopters and the differences were carbon or e.m. mic and the Jack (plug) US and the rest. US tended to be carbon Mic and the rest E.M. unamped mic. Helicopters tend to have single jacks and fixed wing twin jacks and I believe they are common both sides of the pond. An amped EM is the same as a carbon mic. As far as I know the spec for headsets has remained the same for years and there is no change on sight. So what you have is a twin Jack Carbon Mic head set. Hope this helps.

[HEATHROW DIRECTOR]

I have three of these knocking around and used them during my ATC career. In recent years I replaced the mic insert and use it for amateur radio. To this day I don't think they are as good as the Stratolite which was half the weight.

[Mooncrest]

Thank you for your replies folks. Agreed there's no reason why it shouldn't work but I wanted some professional reassurance as well. I'm just waiting for an opportunity to plug it into an airliner's comms system and see what occurs. Nothing more dramatic than a CB popping I hope.

HD. I remember your liking for the Stratolite. I have yet to see one. I really like the Astrolites. It's fun buying them used and dirty, tinkering with them and cleaning them. And deciding what to do next ! Amazing how long they last.