Parachute Seat Cushion

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.

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo.../7Xm3EmV-1.jpg

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Originally Posted by Aragorn243

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.

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

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.

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Originally Posted by Flying10uk

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

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Was my understanding as well.

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

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

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Originally Posted by Flying10uk

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

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I'm in. Seat pad needs a home.

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Originally Posted by HOOKED ON HISTORY

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

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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

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Originally Posted by Bob Womack

"Sentimental Journey"

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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.

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Originally Posted by browningautorifle

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.

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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:

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo.../flyaway-1.jpg

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

Bob

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Originally Posted by Bob Womack

B-17G Liberty Belle

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Kind of surprising when no one else knows...we NEVER see them here.

Was driving home from work one summer day a few years back, windows open, and heard a distinct multi-engine heavy prop plane drone. Thought it was probably one of the slurry planes headed north to drop on one of several wildfires that season. Picked it out flying parallel to me a bit ahead. Thought it looked familiar, and it didn't seem to be in the usual white and orange. It cut a 90 degree turn, and that distinctive tail removed all doubt.

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...e34dd27a-1.jpg

B-17 "Chuckie" 44-8543 (then "Madras Maiden" then "Ye Olde Pub") used to live down the road here. I think they came to the conclusion that four engines were one to many for their operation. They've got about thirty-five planes from WWII flying on from one to three engines, though.

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...85a617da-1.jpg

Bob

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Originally Posted by browningautorifle

Kind of surprising when no one else knows...we NEVER see them here.

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Yes, it was very rare in Western Canada to see a 4 engine bomber of any sort although 'Evergreen' from Oregon made it to Abbottsford a couple of times along with the Canadian Warplane Heritage's Lancaster. We're blessed here in Texas where it's rare to not hear some round sounds a couple of times a month. Fifi, Tandelayo, Spirit of Waco, Witchcraft, Ready 4 Duty, Nine O Nine (before she crashed), Texas Raiders (before she crashed), Chuckie (Before she was sold) and a plethora of single engine fighters and trainers grace our skies.

Grew up near the Memphis Belle. Railed a bit in a previous thread about Memphis's treatment of the "Belle". Glad to know the USAF reclaimed and restored her while there was something left to restore.
Photos of the Fully Restored Memphis Belle WWII Bomber