Balloon, Antenna, M-278-A, for Transmitter, Radio, 'Gibson Girl', Dinghy, USAAF, Untouched

Rare genuine WWII US Army Signal Corps M-278-A antenna balloon for the SCR-578 radio transmitter, used in various aircraft of the US Army Air Forces. 

Packed in its original waterproof tin container, dated 1945, still sealed.

Developed in 1942, the SCR-578-A -- later SCR-578-B -- transmitter, which soon became known as the 'Gibson Girl', was initially intended for being issued as part of the life raft kits, considering that it could remain afloat in sea water in case of splashdown.

Thanks to its padded case and embedded parachute, the whole set could also be dropped to shipwreck survivors if needed; due to its heavy weight and quite important bulk, it was generally stored in the radio compartment of the bombers or any other convenient location, such as the emergency exits.

Dimensions of the tin can: 5.11in x 4.33in.