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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.

Display Status

This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.

Object Details

Date

ca. 1949

Country of Origin

United States of America

Type

PERSONAL EQUIPMENT-Helmets & Headwear

Manufacturer

General Textile Mills, Inc.

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.

Dimensions

3-D: 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

Inventory Number

A19800071000

Credit Line

Donated by Fred Griffith

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

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