Monday word: gosport

[ersatz-read.livejournal.com]

gosport (gŏs′pôrt′), noun
A flexible speaking tube that was used for communication in compartments or cockpits of airplanes.

Etymology:  named after Gosport in southern England, where the apparatus was invented.

The communication was one-way:  one end of the tube had a funnel that was held over one person's mouth, and the other end was attached to the helmet over the ears.  This archived article from Air Force Magazine has some great information on its history and use.

Comments

[calzephyr77.livejournal.com]

How strangely primitive!

[prettygoodword.livejournal.com]

So THAT's what they were called. I've always just referred to them as a speaking tube.