This was the first type of hard helmet mass produced for standard issue to the United States Air Force jet crewmen to provide buffeting and crash protection. The original P-1 was introduced in March 1948. The P-1A, was identical except for a neck strap which was added to prevent the helmet from tilting up durin maneuvers. With the addition of a sun visor an improved earphones in 1952, the helmet was designated as the Type P-3. The Type A-13A oxygen mask was used with this helmet.
Donated by Fred Griffith
Date: ca. 1949
Country of Origin: United States of America
Dimensions:
3-D Test: 24.1 x 22.9 x 22.9cm (9 1/2 x 9 x 9 in.)
Materials:
Shell: Fiberglass
Liner Webbing: Leather
Earphone Pads: Chamois
Physical Description:
United States Air Force Type P-1A Protective Flying Helmet; white fiberglass shell with leather strap webbing; brown rubber edge; leather oxygen mask straps with 3 snaps each; attached microphone cord in back of helmet; United States Air Force winged star insignia decal on front of helmet; natural colored cotton adjustable neck strap with snap.
