The Type 10.30 was an early to mid-war Luftwaffe life vest. The vest was worn deflated during flight. The around the neck configuration ensured that the wearer remained face up in the water. Unfortunately, this vest did not automatically inflate when it came in contact with the water rendering the vest of no value for the unconscious pilot.
This life vest was captured by the United States Army Air Force and brought to the United States for evaluation but no specifics about its wartime use was recorded.
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
Country of Origin
Germany
Type
EQUIPMENT-Survival
Physical Description
Luftwaffe Type (Berat Nr.) 10.30 Life Vest; cotton canvas duck cloth cover rubber front inflation bladders with inflatable neck ring, cotton back panel; 2 cotton web front straps with "D" rings; lower CO2 inflation canister lower left waste; black rubber inflation hose upper front left bladder; with green trim and straps, manual inflation rubber hose; black manufacture stamp on inside back panel (see marks for full text).
Dimensions
3-D: 68.6 x 76.2 x 12.7cm (27 x 30 x 5 in.)
Materials
Overall: Canvas outer shell with Rubber bladders
Inventory Number
A19603303000
Credit Line
Transferred from the U.S. Air Force
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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