RAF Aircraft excape axe

[Adrian Stevenson]

These axes were standard kit aboard many RAF aircraft. They were designed to help trapped air crew hack themselves free of any wreakage. They would also double up as a handy survival tool or even a weapon. The grip is thick insulated rubber and is supposed to allow the user to safely cut through electricity cables.

This is a good early example and is maker marked "Elwell" and dated 1939, plus the usual Air Ministry crown and "AM" mark.

Cheers, Ade.

[COLONEL666]

During the "Commando Vault" weapon system program 15,000 lb. "Daisy Cutter" parachute bombs were used in Vietnam and also Afghanistan. Usually delivered by a Lockheed C-130 Hercules to flatten a forest into a helicopter landing zone. The photo attachment is an escape axe that came from a MC-130 but somehow was found inside a Sikorsky CH-54A Tarhe Skycrane helicopter after they were retired in the 1990's. Here are more specs:

Federal Supply Class (FSC) #4210-Fire Fighting Equipment
ISO Group//Defense & Aerospace Sustainment Partner
info@iso-group.com
Condition: OVHL
Description: Axe, Pick Head 4.375 inch long
NSN: 4210-00-243-0863
Item Name Code (INC) #01031