Did fighter pilots use binoculars?

[The Basket]

Just thinking out loud.
Would it have made sense or possible?
Would kinda make sense to use as not only see airplanes but what side they on.

But I wait for reply.

 

[Glider]

I know that RAF Nightfighters were issued with night vision glasses that looked like binoculars to help them ID targets. But not binoculars in the traditional sense.

 

[herman1rg]

I don't think in a single seater that would be safe.

 

[Glider]

Very dangerous in my mind, I agree

 

[The Basket]

Galland used some form of telescope
So makes sense to have some kind of optical zoom.

 

[Glider]

Must have been a very very short telescope, as there was next to no room in a 109

 

[Greyman]

 

[BiffF15]

While this isn't me, I have flown with this set up. Some, very few, liked it. The rest of us detested it. I actually carried a small pair of binoculars on some OSW (Operation Southern Watch) sorties. They were easier to use than the scope and didn't require the precise flying required for success. The scope is aircraft stabilized, and the binoculars are wrist stabilized (and could be used in conjunction with the HUD and TD box (target designator).

The goal was long range VIDs (visual identification).

The pilot is wearing the High Contrast Visor, which works like shooters glasses. He has on sunglasses for the other than fighting portion of the sortie.

Cheers,
Biff

 

[GrauGeist]

View attachment 531465

Just imagine a hard landing or other incident where thier face meets that contraption and the pilot becomes a pirate (if his skull isn't fractured in the process).

 

[fliger747]

Navy pilots occasionally carried them for scouting missions. Lower powered bio's are most useful due to vibration, motion etc.

 

[Greyman]

Bit late for WWII consideration but this is from a 1950s USAF fighter tactics book:

BINOCULARS IN COMBAT

For both offensive and defensive reasons, pilots must not only be able to look around, but they must be able to recognize and interpret what they see. Aircraft recognition for Air-to-Air work and target identification on Air-Ground work are vital factors in effective offensive or defensive action. To help in the solving of these problems, there is one thing that will help you or your flight improve its Tactical effectiveness--as flight leader, keep a pair of binoculars with you at all times. They will save you precious time and fuel when you are able to distinguish the aircraft type that is 10,000 or 15,000 feet above you in the "cons". They are also useful in watching airfields for activity while you circle above the heavy flak altitude. They are useful when doing fight-bomber work for a closer look at haystacks, trees, and other things used to camouflage weapons, supplies, vehicles, troop concentrations and the like.

 

[The Basket]

Just thinking a very small pair of binoculars can offer a small advantage in the visual combat realm mainly for ID rather than finding targets. Of course always a danger of them getting loose or acting as a situational awareness denier.

Hey Biff! How did you stow your binos so it didn't become a problem down the line?

 

[The Basket]

I can full imagine 2 seaters in a recce role using binos especially in a naval role.
Helps ID shipping without getting too close.

But I would have to wager that some single seater must have given it a whirl.

 

[BiffF15]

Just thinking a very small pair of binoculars can offer a small advantage in the visual combat realm mainly for ID rather than finding targets. Of course always a danger of them getting loose or acting as a situational awareness denier.

Hey Biff! How did you stow your binos so it didn't become a problem down the line?

I had a small pair and would stash them under the elastic band on my left thigh. Both legs of my G suit had them sewed / sewn on and they were usually used for a info card but stretched enough for a lot of things. It was a third hand in the cockpit.

I usually put my info card (line up card) on the canopy rail using a gator clip, it kept down the reflection inside the canopy. In the photo I posted above, just in front of his right hand is a grip handle, inside the canopy rail / bow. We had one on each side, and mirrors as well. We have to check our looks...

Cheers,
Biff