Parachute Seat Cushion

[Aragorn243]

Many of you know I'll collect anything but this has me holding back a bit, not exactly cheap and not sure how it fits in to anything.

It appears to be in decent shape, no holes or tears but some heavy staining that could probably be cleaned up some. It's crinkly, makes noise when you move it. I think they are stuffed with horse hair.

So what is it, what's it used for? I've seen some photos where it appears to be part of the parachute harness with straps going through the slot and you obviously sit on it somehow while in the plane.

Pilots? Gunners? Soldiers?

My investigations found a couple for sale with active prices ranging from $200 to 265 British pounds so at $85 it should be a bargain.

I have not bought it, seems a hefty amount to shell out for something I'll likely never have anything else to go with it. I do have a Mae West for a B-17 crewman so if it's something that would go with that, it's a start.

[browningautorifle]

I do have a Mae West for a B-17 crewman so if it's something that would go with that, it's a start.

Then you'll need to look for a B-17...

[Flying10uk]

As I understand it not all military aircraft had any form of seat cushion for the pilot or copilot and all there was a metal seat frame with the pilot/copilot sitting on their parachutes which formed the seat cushion. I found this out many years ago when I had the opportunity to view inside an out of service Vulcun bomber and sit in the pilot's seat. I commented to the RAF officer who was in charge and looking after the visitors about the lack of seat cushions who then went onto explain about the pilot and copilot sitting on their parachutes.

[browningautorifle]

the pilot/copilot sitting on their parachutes which formed the seat cushion.

Was my understanding as well.

[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

Boeing B-17E Plane Is on Sale for $9 Million

[Flying10uk]

$9 million....."Crowdfunding" possibly?

[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

$9 million....."Crowdfunding" possibly?

I'm in. Seat pad needs a home.

[Bob Womack]

Boeing B-17E Plane Is on Sale for $9 Million

The top pic in the article is of "Sentimental Journey" (serial #44-83514, tail number N9323Z)from the Arizona CAF. She's a B-17G.

Bob

[browningautorifle]

"Sentimental Journey"

I was attending a picnic one Saturday months ago here and looked up to see a four engine bomber in the horizon. I watched as it approached to see "Sentimental Journey" winging it's way out from our local airport on a money making run. No one else in the crowd even looked up, that was the really amazing part.

[Bob Womack]

I was attending a picnic one Saturday months ago here and looked up to see a four engine bomber in the horizon. I watched as it approached to see "Sentimental Journey" winging it's way out from our local airport on a money making run. No one else in the crowd even looked up, that was the really amazing part.

My wife and I were returning a couple of unused collars to the pet store when she looked out the window of the car and said, "What's that?" I looked through the sunroof of the car and here is an idea of what I saw:



It was B-17G Liberty Belle. I tracked her down to a local executive airport and got a tour. More HERE.

Bob