The KY-38 crypto unit was a member of the NESTOR equipment family,  which consisted of the KY-8 Vehicular unit, the KY-28 aircraft unit and the KY-38 "manpack" unit.

This KY-38 "manpack" unit is on display at the C&E Museum in Kingston, Ontario   (Photo by Jerry Proc)

This example is held by the National Cryptologic Museum. (Photo by Vin Simmons)

 

This view of the KY-38 manpack illustrates the socket for the KYK-38 key plug. See KY-28 document for further details.

 
 

This is how a KY-38 would have been interconnected with a manpack radio.

 
 
 

A close-up view of the interconnection between the KY-38 and the PRC41 tactical radio set.

Unless otherwise noted , the equipment in this three photo set was on display at the Combat Communications and Surveillance Museum San Diego, California. Photos courtesy Warren Brader, Director.

The bottom four photos illustrate the interior of the KY-38. (Photos via E-bay)

KY-38 manual cover courtesy E-bay

KY-38 in transport case and with lid closed. (Both photos courtesy William L. Howard Ordnance Technical Intelligence Museum )

This is an entire KY-38 cryptosystem and radio.  (NSA photo)

Contributors and Credits:

1) Vin Simmons  <vinsimmons(at)aol.com>
2) William L. Howard Ordnance Technical Intelligence Museum . e-mail:  wlhoward(at)verizon.net)

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Nov 12/12