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Helmet, Protective, Experimental, United States Army Air Forces

National Air and Space Museum

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Object Details

Manufacturer
Shelby Shoe Co.
Physical Description
Experimental Protective Flying Helmet; yellow painted Type M1942 tankers hard helmet with snap attachments to Type A-11 Leather flying helmet; M1942 helmet has brown leather webbing with cotton straps with snaps to attach to the Type A-11 helmet; the Type A-11 helmet has a dark brown leather exterior with internal black rubber earphones; earphones have chamois lining; brown rayon manufacturer's tag with tan letter text "TYPE A-11, SPECIFICATION NUMBER 3189, SIZE-MEDIUM, STOCK NO. 8300-396015, ORDER NO. (33-038)44-3177A A.F., THE SELBY SHOE CO., PROPERTY OF THE AIR FORCE, U.S. ARMY" sewn on inside lining of helmet; leather chin strap; 3 snaps on for M1942 or oxygen mask on front of helmet; black rubber earphone patch cord with red plastic plug.
Summary
This helmet was worn during 1945-1946 by Capt. John Babel, a test pilot of the Lockheed P-80A. It was made at Muroc Flight Test Base from an Army Air Forces Type A-11 flying helmet and a Type M1942 Tanker's helmet. A hard helmet was necessary to protect the jet pilot's head becasue of the buffeting encountered at high speed while flying through rough, turbulent air. The Type A-13A oxygen mask and the Type B-8 goggles was worn with this helmet.
Credit Line
Donated by John Babel
Inventory Number
A19790676000
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT-Helmets & Headwear
Materials
Helmet: Hardened Fiber
Helmet: Leather
Straps: Cotton
Dimensions
3-D: 16.5 x 21.6 x 19.1cm (6 1/2 x 8 1/2 x 7 1/2 in.)
Country of Origin
United States of America
See more items in
National Air and Space Museum Collection
National Air and Space Museum
Record ID
nasm_A19790676000
Metadata Usage (text)
Not determined
GUID (Link to Original Record)
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/nv941e4d35e-949c-4681-9c0a-80353d484915

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