Just curious on the modern US tank crew helmet:

A) How many wire leads run out of the helment (1 or 2)
B) About how long are they?
C) Can they be diconnected from the helmet or do they generallty hand down.
D( Which side of the drivers compartment on an M1A1 does the lead from the drivers helmet connect to.....

Thanks in Advance....

Why don't you see for yourself, Nate:

http://community.webshots.com/album/70128704HMyUIf

The leads connect to an intercom box mounted to the interior turret wall to the right of the TC and to the left of the loader. These are also shown in the webshots pics.

Rob

One cable comes out of the helmet and connects to what is called the "spaghetti cord." It is a Y-shaped cable that is coiled on the end that goes towards the helmet. This part (spaghetti cord) stays connected to the intercom box inside the tank. The two ends of the Y plug into the intercom box. One end is longer than the other and has a slightly different connection. This is to differentiate between the lead that goes to the intercom and the one that goes to the radio. Mixing these up is bad and causes a "hot mike".

The lead comes out of the left ear piece and has a clothing clip on it. It is about 12-18" long. The end of this lead has a quick disconnect that plugs into the coiled end of the spaghetti cord. The boom mike is attached to the right ear piece.

A driver's intercom box is to his right, so the helmet lead and the spaghetti cord would drape across his torso when seated.

Thanks for the help guys ( I knew it wouldn't take long), look for the fruits of your assistance in an OIF USMC M1AHA coming from me soon (a couple weeks).

Thanks!!!

Man those things have come a long way since my day. We had that big old bulky CVC