WW2 British RAF / USAAF Aircraft – " GIBSON GIRL " RADIO EMERGENCY KITE – NICE!

You are bidding on a VERY NICE example of a WW2 British RAF and USAAF M-357A Survival Kite! Used in conjunction with the “Gibson Girl” Radio, these were used by both fighter and bomber pilots throughout the war!  

Manufactured by the Bendix Aviation Co. from 1941 and issued to both RAF and USAAF aircrew in WWII. Often referred to as ‘Aerial Kites’ as they were made to lift 260 feet of steel wire from the coil drum on the ‘Gibson Girl’ emergency transmitter. This was effectively copied from a 1941 captured Luftwaffe issue example which used a winged as opposed to the standard box kite design adopted by the British and Americans. The system went into mass production in the USA with an initial order placed for 11,600 sets which became standard issue for multi person dinghies for aircrew operating over sea. The full kit also included a balloon and hydrogen generator, as an alternate to the kite, when wind conditions prevented its use.

Made of aluminum, steel, and fabric, this is a VERY NICE set. Complete in the original storage tube/container. There are some marks and wear throughout due to the age, but nothing that detracts. The kite itself is complete, however, there are various tears throughout, as you can see in the photos. Should still be able to fly however. Various ink stamps and instructions throughout. Would make a SUPERB addition to any RAF Radio collection or display!